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- California governor commutes death sentences for 548 inmates in historic decision
- Tenants express concerns over poor conditions at Edmonton apartment complex
- Democrat Cait Conley defeats Republican Rep. Mike Lawler in New York
- Melania Trump hosts Russian envoy Dmitriev at White House amid ceasefire talks
- Russell Brand found guilty of rape and sexual assaults by UK court
- Melania Trump hosts Russian and Ukrainian officials, calls for peace at White House meeting
- Accessibility advocate calls for improvements at Saskatoon BRT stations
- Trump to attend Army-Navy football game in December, officials confirm
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California governor commutes death sentences for 548 inmates in historic decision
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Get you up to speed: California governor commutes sentences of more than 500 people on death row
California Governor Gavin Newsom has commuted the sentences of all 548 people on death row, marking the largest mass clemency in United States history. Those on death row will now serve life sentences without the possibility of parole.
The California Supreme Court must review approximately two-thirds of the commutations under state law, particularly for individuals with multiple felony convictions, before they become final. The state has not executed a prisoner in 20 years, with costs related to the death penalty amounting to $6 billion since 1978, resulting in just 13 executions.
Governor Gavin Newsom’s unprecedented decision to commute the sentences of all 548 people on California’s death row has been praised by criminal justice groups as a significant move away from what they describe as an outdated and inefficient practice. The California Supreme Court is required to review about two-thirds of the commutations, which must be completed before they become final, as the governor’s term concludes in January 2027.
What remains unclear — The timeline for the California Supreme Court’s review of the commuted sentences is not specified.
California governor commutes death sentences for 548 inmates in historic decision
News|Death PenaltyCalifornia governor commutes sentences of more than 500 people on death row
Gavin Newsom cites concerns over morality, high costs, human error as he grants largest mass clemency in US history.
Published On 6 Nov 20266 Nov 2026
Published On 6 Nov 20266 Nov 2026California Governor Gavin Newsom has announced that he will commute the sentences of all 548 people on death row in the state, the largest mass clemency in United States history.
The announcement on Thursday effectively clears out California’s death row, although the state has not executed a prisoner for 20 years. Those on death row will instead serve life sentences without the possibility of parole.
“I take this action because I firmly believe that state-sanctioned killing is incompatible with California’s values, undermines the foundations of our legal system, and diminishes each of us,” Newsom said in an open letter.
Support for the death penalty in the US has largely declined since the 1990s, although it still holds majority backing.
A Pew Research Center poll released in August found that 66 percent of Americans supported the punishment for those convicted of murder. Roughly 73 percent, however, acknowledged there was a risk of executing an innocent person.
Because death penalty cases often involve long and arduous legal appeals, many of those on death row are never executed.
Twenty-three states have banned the practice outright, and others have effectively abandoned it even if the punishment remains on the books.
Still, President Donald Trump, a Republican, has championed the death penalty for serious federal crimes. In April, his administration pledged to expand the use of federal executions, including by employing firing squads.
While proponents of the death penalty have argued that the punishment has a deterrent effect, critics say decades of scholarship indicate otherwise.
They have also pointed to ethical and logistical issues, including the expense.
According to the Death Penalty Information Center (DPIC), California has spent $6bn on the death penalty since 1978 while carrying out just 13 executions in that time.
Capital punishment has also been criticised for being applied disproportionately to racial minorities and for the frequency of botched executions.
The DPIC says that, since 1973, at least 203 people wrongly convicted and sentenced to death in the US have later been exonerated.
Newsom’s decision has been praised by criminal justice groups as a step away from a practice they say is outdated, inefficient and immoral.
“Governor Newsom’s announcement marks a decisive moment in the history of the death penalty in the United States. Though other governors have granted universal clemencies, none have been at this scale,” Robin Maher, the executive director of the DPIC, said in a statement.
“By bookending his time as governor first with a moratorium and now this mass clemency, Governor Newsom has irrevocably changed California’s relationship with the death penalty.”
The DPIC noted that about two-thirds of the commutations must be reviewed by the California Supreme Court, which is required under state law to review clemency for anyone with multiple felony convictions, before they become final.
Despite its left-leaning reputation, California previously served as a laboratory for punitive criminal justice policies in the late 20th century, during the heyday of the US’s tough-on-crime politics.
The states of Washington and California, for instance, were among the first to pass “three strikes” laws in the early 1990s, punishing repeat offenders with high minimum sentences.
The state continues to have the largest death row in the country.
Newsom’s decision will reduce the number of people on death row nationally by nearly 30 percent.
The announcement also comes days after a blockbuster night for the Democratic Party in the US midterm elections, with major wins in formerly right-wing strongholds such as Texas and Kansas.
The so-called “blue wave” during the midterms has set off speculation over potential Democratic candidates for the presidency in 2028.
As governor for nearly eight years, Newsom has reached California’s term limits: His second and final term will end in January 2027.
He will be replaced by former US Secretary of Health and Human Services Xavier Becerra on January 4.
But Newsom has long been seen as a likely presidential contender, and he has increasingly dedicated time to serving as a proxy to support Democratic candidates in key races nationwide.
He has, however, taken positions on criminal justice issues that have put him at odds with criminal justice groups and the state legislature.
In 2022, Newsom vetoed a bill that would have placed limits in state prisons on the use of solitary confinement, a practice defined as torture by the United Nations after certain lengths of time.
In 2019, he also vetoed a measure that would have limited cooperation between Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and prison authorities, and a similar bill failed in the state Senate in 2022.
Tenants express concerns over poor conditions at Edmonton apartment complex
1:00 am
What’s the Latest: Tenants upset with squalid conditions at central Edmonton apartment building
Residents of the Parkside Village Square apartment building in the McCauley neighbourhood of central Edmonton have raised concerns over deteriorating living conditions, reporting a week without heat or running water following a basement fire. The owner, Ersen Lika, attributed the disrepair to vandalism and issues with individuals trespassing in the building.
Utility workers were seen near the Parkside Village Square building on Thursday, as the owner, Ersen Lika, stated he is collaborating with EPCOR to restore power and heat. Police have responded to the residence multiple times but have been unable to prevent transgressors from re-entering the property after removal.
Residents of the Parkside Village Square apartment building have expressed frustration over ongoing disrepair, with no heat or running water following a recent fire. The owner, Ersen Lika, has acknowledged the issues and stated he is “working with EPCOR to restore power and heat to the building,” while noting that police interventions to remove trespassers have been ineffective.
What remains unclear — It is unknown when electricity and heat will be restored to the Parkside Village Square building.
Tenants express concerns over poor conditions at Edmonton apartment complex
Residents of Parkside Village Square, a central Edmonton apartment building, are expressing frustration over deteriorating living conditions following a week without heat or running water. The issues arose after a fire in a vacant basement suite, exacerbating an atmosphere already marked by disrepair and vandalism. Tenants report the theft of copper piping and wiring, while the building’s exterior shows signs of neglect.
Shawne Edel, a resident, described the worsening situation, stating, “It’s gotten really bad in the last year with the homeless coming in, the gangs coming in.” Her roommate, Darlene Lent, added that the presence of outsiders has led to feelings of intimidation, noting, “There’s people always in the halls. We see only junk.” Reports of drug paraphernalia and evidence of drug use within the building further highlight tenant concerns.
Following the basement fire, tenants have faced severe disruptions, with Dafala Makki stating, “This fire, since it happened, the heat is cut, plus electricity is being cut, so we’ve been with no running water, no toilet to use — nothing.” Residents are relying on space heaters to combat the cold, as many baseboard heaters remain inoperative.
Ersen Lika, the building’s owner, attributed many of the issues to uninvited individuals entering the property, stating, “These are not tenants of the building. They are all homeless from the street, coming and destroying.” He voiced frustrations about the ineffectiveness of police efforts, explaining that “Police came, two hours, they kick them out, they come back. But look at the damages.”
Despite ongoing efforts to restore services in the building, residents feel urgency for immediate improvements. Makki emphasised the need for intervention, saying, “They should really help us in this situation so we can live a better life, ’cause this is hard on all of us.” Utility workers were seen at the site, as the community hopes for swift repairs to their living conditions.
Democrat Cait Conley defeats Republican Rep. Mike Lawler in New York
12:00 am
Get you up to speed: GOP Rep. Mike Lawler defeated in New York battleground district
Cait Conley, a Democrat, defeated two-term Republican Rep. Mike Lawler in a competitive congressional race in New York’s Hudson Valley region. Lawler conceded the election on Tuesday, although vote-counting continued due to issues at polling precincts in Westchester County.
Vote-counting in New York’s Hudson Valley was delayed due to issues at polling precincts in Westchester County. Cait Conley, who served in the National Security Council and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, moved to the 17th District months prior to her campaign announcement.
Democrat Cait Conley won a competitive race to represent New York’s Hudson Valley, marking a setback for Republicans as control shifts to Democrats in the House come January. Conley has signalled support for continued military aid to Israel, a stance that may resonate in her district despite differing views within her party.
What remains unclear — The final vote count in the Hudson Valley election has not been disclosed following issues at polling precincts in Westchester County.
Democrat Cait Conley defeats Republican Rep. Mike Lawler in New York
Washington — Democrat Cait Conley defeated two-term Republican Rep. Mike Lawler, winning a highly competitive seat in New York’s Hudson Valley region, WTX US News projected.
Lawler’s loss is another setback for Republicans. WTX US News has projected that Democrats will take control of the House in January with a wide majority.
Lawler called Conley to concede Tuesday, though vote-counting continued for longer than expected due to issues at polling precincts in Westchester County.
“I have never been afforded in any of my elections a concession on election night and I fundamentally believe it’s the right thing to do,” he said. “And so I congratulate Cait on her win and wish her well as our next member of Congress.”
Before redistricting shuffled the boundaries in several states for the 2026 election, Lawler was one of just three Republicans who won districts carried by Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris in 2024.
A West Point graduate, Conley served six tours overseas before joining the National Security Council and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency during the Biden administration. Though she grew up in a neighboring area, she moved to the 17th District months before announcing her campaign.
In their Sept. 30 debate, Conley said she supports continued military aid to Israel and did not believe that Israel’s actions in Gaza constitute a genocide — positions at odds with many in her party, but which could be crucial given the district’s demographics.
Lawler has held the lower Hudson Valley seat since 2023 after narrowly ousting Democratic incumbent Sean Patrick Maloney, who served as House Democrats’ campaign chief. In 2025, Lawler considered running for New York governor, but opted to run for a third term as Republicans sought to hang on to the crucial battleground seat.
Lawler has cast himself as a moderate who has been willing to buck his party, including on immigration protections for Haitians and on extending the now-expired enhanced Affordable Care Act tax credits. Lawler also played a central role in securing a temporary increase to the cap on state and local tax deductions — a bipartisan issue on the East and West coasts — as part of President Trump’s sweeping tax and spending package, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.
In the recent debate, Lawler tried to appeal to voters on both sides, claiming that he ranks “among the most bipartisan and effective members of Congress.”
But Lawler has also embraced Mr. Trump, campaigning with him in May even as he risked alienating swing voters who are pessimistic about the president’s handling of the economy and Iran war.
Melania Trump hosts Russian envoy Dmitriev at White House amid ceasefire talks
11:00 pm
Get you up to speed: Melania Trump lavished with praise after brokering Ukraine and Russia ceasefire | News World
Vladimir Putin’s special envoy Kirill Dmitriev attended a White House event hosted by Melania Trump in Washington, DC, on 5 November 2026. The event addressed humanitarian efforts following a six-day ceasefire in the Russian-occupied city of Oleshky, enabling the evacuation of nearly 800 civilians.
Dmitriev’s visit to Washington is scheduled ahead of talks set for November 10 in Abu Dhabi involving US, Russian, and Ukrainian officials. The upcoming discussions are expected to focus on the progress towards ending the nearly five-year-long war in Ukraine.
Kirill Dmitriev’s visit to the White House signals Russia’s ongoing diplomatic engagement, despite the recent shift in congressional power towards the Democrats, who are expected to scrutinise the Trump administration’s dealings with Russia. Following this meeting, discussions among US, Russian, and Ukrainian officials are planned in Abu Dhabi on November 10, aimed at progressing towards a resolution of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
What remains unclear — It is not specified what specific outcomes or agreements are expected from Dmitriev’s meetings with Trump’s administration.
Melania Trump hosts Russian envoy Dmitriev at White House amid ceasefire talks
Vladimir Putin’s special envoy is set to attend a White House event hosted by Melania Trump today.
Russian official Kirill Dmitriev will also hold meetings with members of Donald Trump’s administration during his visit to Washington, according to two people familiar with his plans.
The visit comes after Democrats secured control of both chambers of Congress, dealing a blow to Trump and raising the prospect of increased US support for Ukraine.
The incoming Democratic majority is also expected to scrutinise decisions made by the Republican administration, including a diesel deal with Russia and the easing of some sanctions.
Despite the election setback, the Kremlin has said it hopes Trump will continue his efforts to broker peace.
It also said preparations were under way for a possible meeting between Putin, Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in Shenzhen, China.
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Columbia, United States When: 05 Nov 2026 Credit: Shawn Thew/POOL via CNP/INSTARimages.com” decoding=”sync”/>
Vladimir Putin’s special envoy is set to attend a White House event hosted by Melania Trump (Picture: Shawn Thew/POOL via CNP/INSTARim)
Dmitriev’s visit comes ahead of planned talks between US, Russian and Ukrainian officials in Abu Dhabi on November 10.
American negotiators are expected to push for progress towards ending the war in Ukraine, which is approaching its fifth year.
The White House said Melania Trump would give a speech at Thursday’s event about a six-day local ceasefire around the Russian-held town of Oleshky, which she helped mediate.
Dmitriev previously met Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff at the White House in 2025.
David Arakhamia with Melania during the ceremony with Russian and Ukrainian representatives (Picture: Thew-Pool via CNP/Shutterstock)
One source familiar with the latest visit said humanitarian issues had become an important part of discussions between Dmitriev and Melania Trump’s team, alongside economic and business matters.
These efforts have included the release of American detainees held in Russia, the return of Ukrainian children to their families and the humanitarian operation in Oleshky.
The source said both Russia and the US had an interest in continuing the work.
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Russell Brand found guilty of rape and sexual assaults by UK court
9:02 pm
Media Lens: Russell Brand found guilty of rape and sexual assaults by UK court
Comedian Russell Brand has been found guilty by a UK court of rape and sexual assaults. He will be sentenced on Monday.
Quick links: What has happened | Status quo | Confirmed facts | Preconceptions | Elisions | One story, four angles | Related links
What has happened
Russell Brand has been found guilty by a court in the United Kingdom of multiple counts of rape and sexual assault, stemming from incidents that took place over a decade ago. The verdict was delivered following a trial that explored the allegations made by several women, confirming the claims of sexual misconduct against the comedian.
As a result of this conviction, Brand is set to be sentenced on an upcoming Monday, and he is reportedly under investigation for additional allegations of sexual violence. The court proceedings are expected to continue as authorities assess the severity of Brand’s actions and the impacts on the victims involved.
Status quo
Russell Brand has been found guilty of rape and sexual assaults by a UK court, a ruling announced recently. The verdict follows multiple allegations against the comedian and actor, leading to his conviction. Sentencing for Brand is scheduled for Monday, reflecting the serious nature of the charges that have garnered significant public attention. Investigations regarding additional allegations against him are reportedly ongoing.
Confirmed facts
- Russell Brand has been found guilty by a UK court of rape and sexual assaults.
- The guilty verdict was delivered following a trial that received widespread media attention.
- Brand is being investigated over additional rape allegations beyond the charges for which he was convicted.
- He is scheduled to be sentenced on a Monday shortly after the verdict.
Preconceptions
- Reuters prioritises legal developments, with a focus on Russell Brand’s conviction and the implications of ongoing investigations, while reducing emphasis on the public’s reaction.
- Yahoo places a strong emphasis on the broader context of the allegations and Brand’s career trajectory, while minimizing details of the court proceedings.
- The New York Times highlights a timeline of Brand’s actions leading up to his conviction, showcasing a detailed narrative, while other outlets mention the conviction more succinctly.
- Sky News emphasizes ongoing police investigations linked to new allegations against Brand, contrasting with less focus on potential broader impacts on Hollywood.
- Coverage in various outlets varies in tone, with some adopting a more sensationalist approach towards Brand’s personal life, while others maintain a focus on the judicial process itself.
Elisions
- Coverage discrepancies on the specifics of the charges: While Reuters provides details on the particular incidents leading to Russell Brand’s conviction, Yahoo focuses more on the ongoing investigations without specifying any additional allegations against him.
- Differences in timelines presented: The New York Times covers a chronological timeline of events related to Brand’s career and legal troubles, whereas Sky News provides a more generalized summary, lacking specific dates that would allow for a deeper understanding of the events in context.
- Variation in reporting style: Yahoo’s article tends to emphasize the societal impact of Brand’s conviction, including reactions from the public and other celebrities, while Reuters focuses primarily on the legal outcomes and specifics of the trial, leading to a more fact-based narrative.
One story, four angles
Reuters – Comedian Russell Brand found guilty by UK court of rape and sexual assaults
Publication: Reuters | Intensity: (8/10) | Sentiment: Negative | Legal precision: High
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Espresso Shot: Readers are immediately led to focus on the serious ramifications of Brand’s conviction, emphasizing the gravity of his actions and the legal consequences he faces.
Key differences:
1. **Comparison:** Reuters focuses on the legal verdict while Yahoo emphasizes ongoing investigations.
– *Example:* “found guilty” vs. “under investigation over more allegations” shows varying depth of legal status.
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Comparison: The tone in Reuters is generally more formal and direct, while others might be more sensational.
- Example: Reuters uses “found guilty” instead of “charged with” which could minimize implications.
-
Comparison: The emphasis on details of the court ruling in Reuters contrasts with outlets that highlight public reaction or Brand’s career trajectory.
- Example: Specific mention of “UK court” places judicial authority front and center compared to narrative elements in other articles.
Bias: Selection: Prioritizes legal implications; Language: Uses precise legal terminology; Omission: Lacks broader societal context around victim support or ongoing societal issues.
Assessment: Readers initially believe the report will detail significant, confirmed legal consequences for Brand.
Yahoo – Russell Brand found guilty of rape and sexual assaults; actor being investigated over more rape allegations
Publication: Yahoo | Intensity: (9/10) | Sentiment: Negative | Legal precision: Moderate
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Espresso Shot: Yahoo directs attention first to the seriousness of the conviction paired with ongoing investigations, implying ongoing risk.
Key differences:
1. **Comparison:** Yahoo highlights not just the conviction but implies ongoing risks with the phrase “being investigated over more rape allegations.”
– *Example:* This dual focus heightens concern compared to Reuters’ singular verdict emphasis.
-
Comparison: The headline includes dual consequences for Brand, suggesting broader implications for his career, compared to other outlets.
- Example: Yahoo states “guilty of rape and sexual assaults,” linking it to future investigations directly.
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Comparison: The framing of Brand’s actions as part of a larger pattern contrasts with Reuters’ straightforward legal summary.
- Example: “Guilty of rape and sexual assaults” vs. more clinical phrasing in Reuters showcases a less detached tone.
Bias: Selection: Prioritizes the ongoing investigation and public fears; Language: Sensational phrasing heightens emotional impact; Omission: Less focus on legal ramifications of the court ruling.
Assessment: Readers are led to believe Brand faces continued peril and societal danger well beyond the verdict itself.
The New York Times – Timeline: How Russell Brand Went From Comedy Star to Convicted Rapist
Publication: The New York Times | Intensity: (8/10) | Sentiment: Negative | Legal precision: Moderate to High
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Espresso Shot: The New York Times emphasizes Brand’s criminality not merely through the verdict but contextualizes it within a trajectory, adding depth to the narrative.
Key differences:
1. **Comparison:** NYT frames the issue historically, suggesting how Brand’s past informs his present transgressions, unlike other outlets.
– *Example:* The word “timeline” implies a narrative evolution rather than isolated events as presented elsewhere.
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Comparison: The focus on Brand’s career development contrasts with direct legal analyses, creating a reader perception of inevitability.
- Example: “Went From Comedy Star to Convicted Rapist” indicates a downfall narrative absent in more clinical reports.
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Comparison: Articulation of “convicted rapist” in historical context feels more comprehensive compared to the immediate legal jargon of other examples.
- Example: Reflecting on “timeline” underscores systemic issues without just legal focus like Reuters.
Bias: Selection: Concentrates on Brand’s developmental arc; Language: Uses evocative historical framing; Omission: Misses immediate legal consequence specificity, focusing on narrative.
Assessment: Readers form the belief that Brand’s conviction is not an isolated event but part of a larger biographical and societal narrative.
Sky News – Russell Brand latest: Comedian guilty of rape and sexual assault – as police interview released
Publication: Sky News | Intensity: (9/10) | Sentiment: Negative | Legal precision: Moderate
Expand
Espresso Shot: Sky News captivates immediate attention by linking the conviction to ongoing police involvement, creating urgency around Brand’s situation.
Key differences:
1. **Comparison:** The inclusion of “police interview released” adds an element of investigative drama.
– *Example:* This contrasts with more straightforward legal reporting found in Reuters.
-
Comparison: Sky News presents Brand’s legal troubles as current and evolving, whereas others provide a static verdict.
- Example: The term “latest” implies ongoing developments missing in static narratives.
-
Comparison: The placement of emotional phrases like “guilty of rape and sexual assault” precedes any formal language about the judicial process.
- Example: The upfront declaration fosters immediate emotional engagement versus more reserved tones in outlets like The New York Times.
Bias: Selection: Heightens urgency with ongoing investigations; Language: Uses sensational and emotional language; Omission: Less nuanced discussion regarding legal implications.
Assessment: Readers perceive a fast-paced unfolding of events, emphasizing danger and urgency in the narrative surrounding Brand.
In comparing coverage of Russell Brand’s conviction, Reuters adopts a straightforward reporting style, emphasizing the verdict without alarmist overtones, making it the strongest framing. Conversely, Yahoo escalates the narrative by highlighting ongoing investigations and potential further allegations, stirring public anxiety. Meanwhile, The New York Times uses a linear storytelling approach that contextualizes Brand’s descent, but this can border on sensationalism. Sky News adds urgency by referencing newly released police interviews, intensifying the narrative. Thus, the efficacy of the coverage largely hinges on the tone and focus each outlet employs. The facts do not change. What changes is where scrutiny lands.
Related links
Reuters
Comedian Russell Brand found guilty by UK court of rape and sexual assaults
Yahoo
The New York Times
Timeline: How Russell Brand Went From Comedy Star to Convicted Rapist
Sky News
Russell Brand latest: Comedian guilty of rape and sexual assault – as police interview released
Melania Trump hosts Russian and Ukrainian officials, calls for peace at White House meeting
8:00 pm
Get you up to speed: Melania Trump calls for peace at meeting with Russia, Ukraine officials
US First Lady Melania Trump hosted officials from Russia and Ukraine at the White House on 5 November 2026, urging both sides to seek an enduring peace following a recent ceasefire. The six-day truce allowed for aid deliveries and the evacuation of nearly 800 people from the Russian-occupied city of Oleshky in Ukraine’s Kherson region.
The six-day truce allowed the evacuation of nearly 800 people from the city of Oleshky, with an estimated 2,000 civilians remaining. New US-brokered talks between Russia and Ukraine are scheduled for November 10 and 11 in Abu Dhabi.
Melania Trump, during her meeting with Russian and Ukrainian officials, emphasised the need for both nations to build on the recent local ceasefire and pursue a more lasting peace. New US-brokered talks between the two countries are scheduled for November 10 and 11 in Abu Dhabi.
What remains unclear — It is not yet specified how many of the estimated 2,000 civilians still in Oleshky may be evacuated following the truce’s expiration.
Melania Trump hosts Russian and Ukrainian officials, calls for peace at White House meeting
News|Russia-Ukraine warMelania Trump calls for peace at meeting with Russia, Ukraine officials
US first lady hosts Russian, Ukrainian officials at the White House, urges two sides to build on recent local truce.
Published On 5 Nov 20265 Nov 2026
Published On 5 Nov 20265 Nov 2026United States First Lady Melania Trump has urged Russia and Ukraine to build on a recent localised ceasefire and seek a more “enduring” peace, as she hosted officials from both countries at the White House.
Melania Trump spoke on Thursday at an event that the White House said is believed to be “the first time in American history that a First Lady has personally brought representatives of two nations at war to the White House for diplomacy”.
Those attending included Kirill Dmitriev, a special envoy of Russian President Vladimir Putin; Yana Lantratova, Russia’s human rights commissioner; David Arakhamia, leader of the Servant of the People party in Ukraine’s parliament; and Dmytro Lubinets, Ukraine’s parliamentary human rights commissioner.
“Together, we can create something more enduring than a temporary ceasefire,” Mrs. Trump said, urging both sides to see the humanitarian truce in Oleshky “as a spark in a world of darkness”.
She said her role as “exclusive intermediary” was set out in written agreements signed by both countries, and that she was involved in every stage of the planning, including reviewing de-mining plans and evacuation routes.
Washington, DC, US November 5, 2026. REUTERS/Elizabeth Frantz” fetchpriority=”low”>US First Lady Melania Trump delivers remarks after a meeting with representatives from Russia and Ukraine at the White House in Washington, DC, the United States, November 5, 2026 [Elizabeth Frantz/Reuters]
Ukrainian representatives presented the US first lady with the Order of Princess Olga, first class, which President Volodymyr Zelenskyy awarded her earlier this week. She also gave the most senior officials present letters she had written to Putin and Zelenskyy.
The six-day truce covered the Russian-occupied city of Oleshky in Ukraine’s Kherson region and the surrounding area, and allowed aid deliveries and the evacuation of nearly 800 people.
An estimated 2,000 civilians had been left in the city. It was the longest multi-day truce between Russia and Ukraine since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022, and the first joint relief operation in four years and eight months.
The White House said Melania Trump mediated the truce, though Pope Leo XIV also pressed both sides to allow aid and evacuations, and that the two accounts of who brokered it have diverged.
The truce expired last Sunday with no extension, a day before a Russian bombing of an aid distribution point in Komyshuvakha, in the Zaporizhia region, killed at least 40 people, according to Ukrainian President Zelenskyy.
New US-brokered talks between Russia and Ukraine are expected to take place in Abu Dhabi on November 10 and 11.
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