First Lady Melania Trump faced backlash after taking credit for securing a ceasefire in Russian-occupied Oleshky, Ukraine, while omitting Pope Leo XIV's earlier diplomatic efforts.
The White House announced that the Oleshky ceasefire will begin on October 29 to facilitate humanitarian aid deliveries and the evacuation of elderly residents.
According to the Vatican, Pope Leo XIV spoke directly with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy days before the White House announcement.
Ukrainian official Davyd Arakhamia and Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed the ceasefire agreement, with Arakhamia noting contributions from both Melania Trump and Pope Leo XIV.
The credit dispute underscores an escalating public feud between President Donald Trump and Pope Leo XIV over foreign policy and immigration issues.
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Melania accused of hogging all the credit and ignoring Pope Leo’s role in securing Ukraine ceasefire
