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NEW: The U.S.-brokered Russia-Ukraine talks in Abu Dhabi are being described as productive. Kushner and Witkoff will travel to Moscow to meet Vladimir Putin on Thursday, then Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Dublin after. A large-scale prisoner swap may happen in the next two to three weeks, according to Kushner. Ukrainian negotiators say there is "good momentum," and are pushing for more multi-lateral talks. Putin & Germany's Merz may talk soon.

I joined the @Newsmax Ukraine affiliate while in Kyiv to discuss the Oleshky mission: "The same way we have to give credit to @FLOTUS for brokering this ceasefire, you equally have to put the blame on the one person responsible for starting this war: Vladimir Putin."

Prior to reporting on the Oleshky humanitarian mission, I attended a briefing with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. I was able to get his thoughts on the operation ahead and the landmark agreement brokered by @FLOTUS. “Thanks to @melaniatrump initiative, we began working on these steps toward a humanitarian effort to lift the blockade … the United States’ mediation is very important. They have to come with media representatives, with journalists. This was our request because we cannot trust the Russian side,” he told me. Officials in Russia and Ukraine were tight-lipped ahead of the journey given the fragility of the situation; the successful results, however, change the dynamic moving forward.

I was tasked by @FLOTUS @melaniatrump to act as the lone American media representative on the ground reporting on the humanitarian mission in the Russian-occupied Ukrainian city of Oleshky. I traveled with delegations from Russia and Ukraine—guided by the Russian military—to the frontline war-torn city to observe the evacuation of 800 people who have been trapped in the crossfire since the town was captured in 2022. Traveling through Russia, Crimea and, finally, occupied Ukraine, we witnessed the tragedies that have been brought on by Vladimir Putin’s invasion. The mission was a success. @newsmax

NEW: The head Ukrainian negotiator for Oleshky mission, Dmytro Lubinets, reveals new details: “Russia/Ukraine abided by all terms of ceasefire.” The agreement dictated it would be illegal to move military equipment during the ceasefire (this was revealed when asked about reports of drone footage showing Russian violating these terms). Lubinets contacted his Russian contact about these reports, and says the evidence suggests that Russian military equipment was marked with a “red cross;” and was used for de-mining in preparation for the Oleshky operation. These movements were approved by Ukraine and the vehicles later relocated back to the base. Ukrainian delegation has been in communication with @FLOTUS since September 2025 during negotiations over the return of abducted children. Ukraine requested an American representative—which ultimately came in the form of media, @Newsmax—to be on location during the operation. Corpses of military and civilian people were collected in Oleshky, will be delivered to families in Ukraine. Oldest person evacuated to Ukraine: 94.

We left Oleshky 24 hours ago. The humanitarian mission is reaching its final stretch, transferring evacuees and their belongings at the Belarus-Ukraine border. It’s a massive—but meticulous—operation.

This is what it’s all about. Oleshky evacuees are finally reunited with their loved ones. There’s a new hope that the ceasefire in Oleshky can provide the framework for a larger peace, and scenes like this can be felt all across the frontline.

Oleshky evacuees left the city with very few belongings—often with one or two bags. But leaving their pets? Not even a question. Ukraine’s Special Forces, at one point, even launched rescue drone operations. Now, they’re crossing into Ukraine.

Oleshky evacuees are arriving in Belarus, after departing Ukraine through Russia, and will soon be arriving in Kyiv. @Newsmax followed their journey and documented the humanitarian effort that was made possibly by the ceasefire brokered by @FLOTUS Melania Trump. Stay tuned.