First Lady Melania Trump revealed that she has an open line of communication with Russian President Vladimir Putin about the plight of children caught in the Russia-Ukraine war. This statement came on Friday, emphasizing her role in advocating for the rights and welfare of these children.
Melania stated that her peace letter, personally delivered to Putin during his visit to Alaska in August, resulted in positive action—specifically, the reunification of eight Ukrainian children with their families.
Her heartfelt message, partly shared by President Donald Trump on social media, urged Putin to prioritize the safety and well-being of children, highlighting that such actions would benefit humanity as a whole, not just Russia.
Eight children have been rejoined with their families during the past 24 hours, she announced at a White House podium, flanked by American flags. Melania noted that many of these children had been separated due to conflict.
Of the eight, three had been displaced to Russia, while another girl was returned from Ukraine. This reunification was facilitated by both Ukraine and Russia, with detailed reports and photographs shared with the First Lady.
As part of her ongoing advocacy, Melania is committed to addressing issues affecting children globally through her BE BEST initiative, which began in January 2021. Earlier this year, she also championed the Take It Down Act to combat online exploitation, reflecting her dedication to children's dignity and safety.
This announcement marks a significant emphasis on the humanitarian aspects of her work, showing that diplomatic dialogues can occur even in times of strife.