First girl Melania Trump mentioned Friday that Russia has allowed eight Ukrainian youngsters to reunite with their mother and father, following months of personal discussions between Russian officers and the primary girl’s workplace centered on youngsters separated from their households in the course of the conflict.
The first girl revealed that she and Russian President Vladimir Putin have had an “open channel” of communication since she wrote him a letter in August in regards to the impression of the conflict in Ukraine on children. She mentioned the eight youngsters have been all returned to their households during the last 24 hours, with a dedication that the 2 sides will proceed to work towards reunifying extra youngsters displaced as a part of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
“This remains an ongoing effort,” Melania Trump mentioned in a quick speech on the White House. “Plans are already underway to reunify more children in the immediate future. I hope peace will come soon. It can begin with our children.”
President Donald Trump hand-delivered the “peace” letter on behalf of the primary girl to Putin in August. The letter didn’t particularly reference the 1000’s of Ukrainian youngsters who have allegedly been kidnapped by Russia for the reason that conflict started, however urged Putin to think about the impression the battle was having on youngsters typically.
Putin responded to Melania Trump in writing, the primary girl mentioned Friday, providing particulars in regards to the Ukrainian youngsters in Russia and providing to discuss immediately in regards to the problem.
“Since then, President Putin and I have had an open channel of communication regarding the welfare of these children,” Melania Trump mentioned. “We have agreed to cooperate with each other for the benefit of all people involved in this war.”
In addition to releasing the eight youngsters, Melania Trump mentioned that Russian officers have supplied updates on the identities of some youngsters and the social and medical companies that they’re receiving. She added that she’s additionally pressed the nation over these Ukrainians who have been minors when the conflict began, however at the moment are adults and nonetheless residing in Russia. Russian officers have agreed to work towards rejoining these adults within the close to future, Melania Trump mentioned.
“My ongoing mission is twofold: To optimize a transparent free-flow exchange of health-related information surrounding all children who have (fallen) victim to this war,” Trump mentioned, “and to facilitate the regular reunification of children with their families until each individual returns home.”