Ukrainian First Lady's Letter to Melania Trump Marks Diplomatic Exchange Amid Peace Talks

Washington, D.C. – Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy delivered a letter from his wife, First Lady Olena Zelenska, to U.S. First Lady Melania Trump on Monday, August 18, 2025, during high-stakes peace discussions with President Donald Trump at the White House. This diplomatic gesture underscored the humanitarian dimension of the ongoing efforts to resolve the conflict in Ukraine. President Trump stated, "I think progress is being made. Very substantial progress in many ways," regarding the negotiations.

The exchange followed a prior initiative by Melania Trump, who had penned a "peace letter" to Russian President Vladimir Putin. This letter, delivered by President Trump during his summit with Putin in Alaska on August 15, focused on the plight of children affected by the war, urging for their protection and a return to peace. Olena Zelenska's letter to Melania Trump was a direct response, expressing gratitude for her advocacy on behalf of Ukrainian children.

The White House meeting between Trump and Zelenskyy, which included several European leaders, centered on brokering a peace deal for the Russia-Ukraine conflict. President Trump has been advocating for a broader peace agreement, shifting from an earlier demand for a ceasefire to a deal that could involve territorial concessions. However, President Zelenskyy has consistently maintained Ukraine's stance against ceding territory.

The multilateral discussions involved key figures such as U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, and NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte. Following the meeting, President Trump indicated his intention to contact President Putin to discuss the possibility of a trilateral meeting involving the U.S., Ukraine, and Russia, aiming to further advance peace efforts.