Melania Trump says some children caught in Ukraine war returned to families after talks with Putin
By Jeff Mason
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – U.S. First Lady Melania Trump said she has maintained an open line of communication with Russian President Vladimir Putin regarding the repatriation of children caught up in the Ukraine war, with some being sent back to their families with more to be reunited soon.
“This continues to be an ongoing effort,” he told reporters at the White House on Friday. He said Putin responded to his letter earlier this year and they remained in contact.
Advertising
Advertising
“President Putin and I have an open channel of communication regarding the welfare of these children,” he said. “Both parties have participated in various back-channel meetings and calls over the past few months.”
The first lady said her representative was working directly with Putin’s team to ensure the safe reunification of children with their families between Russia and Ukraine.
It was stated that 8 children were handed over to their families in the last 24 hours.
President Trump has expressed disappointment in recent weeks over the failure to end the war in Ukraine, which he promised to end within a day as a candidate.
(Reporting by Jeff Mason and Susan Heavey; Editing by Doina Chiacu, Ross Colvin and Alistair Bell)
