First lady Melania Trump said Friday she has been in communication with Russian President Vladimir Putin about reuniting Ukrainian children displaced by war with their families.

The first lady gave a rare public address to detail her efforts, which started last August when she wrote to Putin to raise concerns about children who had been separated from their families and were impacted by Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

"Much has unfolded since President Putin received my letter last August. He responded in writing, signaling a willingness to engage with me directly and outlining details regarding the Ukrainian children residing in Russia," Melania Trump said in remarks from the White House.

"Since then, President Putin and I have had an open channel of communication regarding the welfare o

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