Melania Trump announces third reunification of Russian, Ukrainian children with families

First lady Melania Trump on Thursday announced a third, successful reunification of Russian and Ukrainian children with their families amid the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war.

“I appreciate that Russia and Ukraine are dedicated to bringing back the children who have been displaced because of the circumstances surrounding this conflict. Although all parties are cooperating and our communications remain robust, I urge Russia and Ukraine to intensify their efforts to ensure the safe return of every child to their families and guardians,” Trump said in a statement.

She and her representative continue to engage in discussions with Russia and Ukraine, according to the White House.

“Today marks the third reunification since I have been working strategically with both nations. I have no doubt more progress will come,” said Trump, who is from Slovenia. 

In October, she helped eight Ukrainian children be reunited with their families, then seven more in December, The National News Desk reported.

Trump wrote a letter to Russian President Vladimir Putin in August, in which she asked him to consider the children separated from their families in the war. Her letter came after Ukrainian children were being removed from their country to be raised as Russians during the war.

She said that Putin responded to her letter in writing and that they had established an "open channel of communication" to discuss the welfare of children impacted by the war.

"For the past three months, both sides have participated in several backchannel meetings and calls. All in good faith. We have agreed to cooperate with each other for the benefit of all people involved in this war," she said.