Melania Trump says 'open channel' with Putin led to 8 Ukrainian children reuniting with families

WASHINGTON, DC: First Lady Melania Trump revealed on Friday, October 10, that she has been having conversations with Russian President Vladimir Putin. These talks, held over the past few months, focused on the return of children separated from their families due to the war in Ukraine.

The FLOTUS made the announcement, saying that after an "open channel of communication" with the Russian President, eight Ukrainian children displaced in the war have been reunited with their families.

Melania Trump revealed that 'much has unfolded since Putin received my letter'

Melania Trump announced from the White House on Friday, "President Putin and I have had an open channel of communication regarding the welfare of these children."

She added that, "Eight children have been reunited with their families in the past 24 hours."

"For the past three months, both sides have participated in several back-channel meetings and calls, all in good faith. We have agreed to cooperate with each other for the benefit of all the people involved in this war," the FLOTUS added.

She further explained that she has been in talks with Putin's representatives about all the children suffering as a result of the war.

The FLOTUS also said, "Much has unfolded since Putin received my letter," referring to a note that President Donald Trump hand-delivered to Putin during their August summit in Alaska.

"Each of these children have lived through the trauma of war. Three were separated from their parents and displaced to the Russian Federation because of frontline fighting. The other five were separated from their families across international borders because of the ongoing conflict," the first lady added.

She further gave an example and said, "One young girl who has now been reunited from Ukraine to Russia."

Interestingly, the development comes as President Trump is set to fly to Egypt in the coming days after striking an Israel-Hamas phase one peace deal.

Melania Trump's emotional note to Vladimir Putin

In her letter to Putin, Melania wrote that it was “time to protect children and future generations around the globe.”

"We must strive to paint a dignity-filled world for all—so that every soul may wake to peace, and so that the future itself is perfectly guarded," she said in her remark.

"A simple yet profound concept, Mr Putin, as I am sure you agree, is that each generation’s descendants begin their lives with a purity—an innocence which stands above geography, government, and ideology," she added.

The letter didn't reference the alleged reports of Ukrainian children relocated to Russia without documented consent from family members or guardians.

The FLOTUS further added, "In today's world, some children are forced to carry a quiet laughter, untouched by the darkness around them-- a silent defiance against the forces that can potentially claim their future. Mr. Putin, you can singlehandedly restore their melodic laughter."

Melania received info on each child involved in the reunification

Melania Trump has received detailed biographies and photographs of each child involved in the reunifications through close coordination with the Russian Federation.

Moreover, the documents also included an overview of the social, medical, and psychological services being provided to the Ukrainian children.

"I am encouraged by the transparency shown by the Russian Federation. They have demonstrated a willingness to disclose objective, detailed information reflective of the current situation," Melania Trump stated.

The first lady further said, "This kind of cooperation is essential if we are to bring lasting results to the lives of these children."

She explained that a comprehensive report verifying the identities and experiences of the eight children was jointly issued by the Ukrainian Commissioner for Human Rights and the Office of the Russian Presidential Commissioner for Children's Rights.

Notably, the report has also reportedly been reviewed and confirmed by the US government. 

Meanwhile, the FLOTUS raised concerns about those who were minors when they were displaced but have since reached adulthood while residing in the Russian Federation.

"Given the dangers of navigating a region still affected by war, the safe return of these individuals requires coordinated assistance," she mentioned. 

The Russian Federation has allegedly agreed to begin facilitating the return of young adults who have turned 18 within a short period of time.

"This is an ongoing effort. Plans are already in motion to reunify more children in the immediate future. Every child deserves the comfort of family and the hope of a peaceful tomorrow," the First Lady said.