Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has signed a decree awarding US First Lady Melania Trump the Order of Princess Olga, First Class. The corresponding document No. 1079/2026 dated November 2 was published on the official website of the Head of the Ukrainian State on Wednesday, November 4. This is reported by RBC-Ukraine, Interfax-Ukraine, and ZN.ua citing the text of the decree.

Basis for the Award

According to the text of the decree, the award was granted "for a significant personal contribution to humanitarian support for Ukraine, active human rights and charitable activities aimed at rescuing Ukrainian children, citizens affected by Russian aggression, and those illegally deported and forcibly displaced from the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine." The Order of Princess Olga is Ukraine's highest state award designated for women.

Humanitarian Mission in Oleshky

Ukrainian media cite Melania Trump's role in organizing a humanitarian mission in Oleshky, Kherson Region, as a key basis for the award. According to available data, the US First Lady facilitated the achievement of a local truce in the area, which made it possible to evacuate residents. Reports indicate that about 800 people were taken out of Oleshky.

White House Prepares Meeting with Russian and Ukrainian Representatives

As reported by RBC-Ukraine, on November 5, Melania Trump will meet with Russian and Ukrainian representatives at the White House and deliver a speech dedicated to the truce in Oleshky. The White House called this initiative an unprecedented diplomatic action by the US First Lady. Thus, the awarding coincided with an active phase of diplomatic contacts surrounding humanitarian issues.

Context and Significance

The awarding of one of Ukraine's highest honors to the First Lady of the incumbent US president has become a noticeable diplomatic gesture against the backdrop of the ongoing conflict. Kyiv emphasizes the humanitarian nature of Melania Trump's activities, while Washington highlights the First Lady's role in promoting initiatives for local truces and the evacuation of civilians. The decree entered into force from the moment of signing and was published in the public domain on the president's website.