Melania Trump says she has an ‘open channel’ to Putin on Ukrainian children, and some have been reunited with family

First lady Melania Trump delivers remarks in the Grand Foyer at the White House on October 10, 2025. Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images

First lady Melania Trump said Friday that Russia has allowed eight Ukrainian children to reunite with their parents, following months of private discussions between Russian officials and the first lady’s office centered on children separated from their families during the war.

The first lady revealed that she and Russian President Vladimir Putin have had an “open channel” of communication since she wrote him a letter in August about the impact of the war in Ukraine on kids. She said the eight children were all returned to their families over the last 24 hours, with a commitment that the two sides will continue to work toward reunifying additional children disp