Ukraine has awarded US First Lady Melania Trump its Order of Princess Olga, First Class, in recognition of her humanitarian efforts and role in securing a temporary ceasefire that allowed civilians to flee a Russian-occupied town.

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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced the honour through a presidential decree published on Ukraine's official website. It recognised Melania's contribution to humanitarian support for Ukraine, as well as her work on human rights and charitable causes.

The recognition follows her involvement in arranging a localised truce between Russian and Ukrainian forces last month, allowing residents of Oleshky, on the southern front, to leave the town after weeks of shortages of food and medicine.

The temporary halt in fighting allowed authorities to clear mines from roads and create a passage for civilians to leave. Residents were able to evacuate either to Ukrainian-controlled territory or Russia.

The White House described the arrangement as an unprecedented diplomatic initiative by an American First Lady. Melania's office also announced that she would bring representatives from Russia and Ukraine together at the White House, although no date has been announced.

She is scheduled to speak at 11:00 am (1600 GMT) about the Oleshky ceasefire at the White House on Thursday.

Melania Trump has also been involved in efforts to secure the return of Ukrainian children taken to Russia during the war.

With AFP inputs