Visiting Russian, Ukrainian officials gush over Melania Trump's ceasefire efforts

It's been billed as her foray into diplomacy. Melania Trump hosting officials from Ukraine and Russia to talk about the ceasefire in the Ukrainian city of Oleshky. Let Oleshky be the modest spark that grows into a lasting flame of peace. Peace. The six-day truce saw the evacuation of nearly 800 residents from the community that's been occupied by Russia since day one of its full-scale invasion. For months, there were discussions about the need to open a humanitarian corridor when last month, suddenly and surprisingly, the White House announced that Melania had secured the ceasefire, working with her senior advisor, Mark Beckman, who also produced the Melania documentary. All of the invited guests who are keen to ingratiate themselves to the Trump administration were effusive. I would like to give to you this state award for your leadership. Russia's special envoy came bearing a drawing from an 11-year-old girl. It says just three words. I love Melania. In her speech, there was no mention that the Kremlin refuses to agree to a ceasefire or that its military continues to pound Ukrainian communities. In the Zaporizhia region, search crews are still combing through what was once an aid distribution site. More than 40 Ukrainians were killed here. The problem is that every day of this aggression costs lives. This Russian expert says while there's certainly discussion about what kind of role Melania Trump really played, the effort overall is laudable. And there should be more of that. Negotiations are important, it's better that politicians are talking than when they are not. Delegations from Russia and Ukraine will be in the United Arab Emirates next week for negotiations. It's possible there could be an agreement like a decision to release prisoners of war but there's little optimism there will be a peace deal anytime soon. Briar Stewart, CBC News, London.