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Zelensky awards Melania Trump Ukraine’s Order of Princess Olga for humanitarian work
President Volodymyr Zelensky awarded U.S. first lady Melania Trump Ukraine’s Order of Princess Olga, 1st Class, on 4 November, recognising her humanitarian work and advocacy. The award highlights her role in supporting people affected by Russia’s war and efforts to secure the return of Ukrainian children abducted by Russia.
The presidential decree cited her contribution to humanitarian support, human rights advocacy and charitable work. Days earlier, nearly 800 people were evacuated from Russian-occupied Oleshky in an operation she helped broker alongside others. The women’s state decoration recognises exceptional contributions in public service and other fields; previous recipients include Nancy Pelosi and Kaja Kallas. Melania Trump established a channel with Vladimir Putin after sending him a personal letter in August 2025 to discuss the children’s return.
In short
- Zelensky awarded Melania Trump Ukraine’s Order of Princess Olga.
- The decree recognised humanitarian and human rights work.
- She has helped seek the return of abducted Ukrainian children.
Explained simply
Ukraine’s Order of Princess Olga is a state award for women who have made notable contributions to public service, humanitarian work or other fields. It has three classes, with 1st Class the highest; previous recipients include former US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas.
Volodymyr Zelensky is Ukraine’s president, while Melania Trump is the first lady of the United States. Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine has displaced civilians and separated families, and the fate of Ukrainian children taken to Russia has become a humanitarian and diplomatic concern.
Melania Trump has used contact with Russian president Vladimir Putin to discuss the children’s return. The award reflects Ukraine’s recognition of humanitarian efforts and advocacy connected with the war.