First lady Melania Trump announced on Friday that eight Ukrainian children, separated from their families due to the Russia-Ukraine war, have been reunited with their loved ones.
The announcement, made from the White House’s Grand Foyer, highlighted her efforts to address the plight of children affected by the conflict.
“Each child has lived in turmoil because of the war in Ukraine,” Trump said. “Three were separated from their parents and displaced to the Russian Federation because of frontline fighting. The other five were separated from family members across borders because of the conflict, including one young girl who has now been reunited from Ukraine to Russia.”
Trump revealed she has maintained an “open channel of communication” with Russian President Vladimir Putin since August, when she wrote him a letter urging protection for children impacted by the war.
The letter, hand-delivered by President Donald Trump during a summit in Alaska, stated, “As parents, it is our duty to nurture the next generation’s hope.”
It continued, “In protecting the innocence of these children, you will do more than serve Russia alone — you serve humanity itself.”
Putin responded in writing, expressing willingness to engage directly and providing details about Ukrainian children in Russia.
“Russia has demonstrated a willingness to disclose objective and detailed information reflective for the current situation,” Trump said, noting that her representative has worked with Putin’s team to facilitate reunifications.
She added that a “detailed report” about the eight children was provided, with facts confirmed by the U.S. government.
“My ongoing mission is twofold: to prioritize and optimize a transparent, free flow of health-related information surrounding all children who have [fallen] victim to this war, and to facilitate the reunification of children with their families until each individual returns home,” Trump said.
She emphasized that plans are underway to reunite more children soon, stating, “A child’s soul knows no borders, no flags. We must foster a future for our children which is rich with potential, security and complete with free will.”
The announcement coincides with the Senate’s passage of the Abducted Ukrainian Children Recovery and Accountability Act within the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026. Sens. Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Chuck Grassley (R-IA) said the act aims to support Ukraine’s efforts to track over 19,546 confirmed cases of unlawfully deported or transferred Ukrainian children, assist with their rehabilitation, and pursue justice for perpetrators. As of October 9, only 1,600 abducted children have been returned, according to the senators.
“I hope peace will come soon. It can begin with our children,” Trump said, underscoring her commitment to this “important initiative” for lasting impact.