US first lady Melania Trump said she had secured an open line of communication with Russian President Vladimir Putin about repatriating Ukrainian children caught up in the war with Russia, and that some have been returned to their families with more to be reunited soon.

"This remains an ongoing effort," she told reporters at the White House on Friday. She said Putin had responded to her letter earlier this year and that they remained in touch.

"President Putin and I have had an open channel of communication about the welfare of these children," she said.

"For the past few months, both sides have participated in several back-channel meetings and calls."

The communication between the Russian president and the US first lady is unusual and reflects a minor bright spot in

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