Melania Trump says she has an "open" line of communication with Vladimir Putin on the fate of children abducted by Russia during the Ukraine war.

Eight children had been reunited with their families in the last 24 hours, she added.

Speaking at the White House on Friday, local time, the US first lady said she expected more to be reunited soon after further talks between her team and the Russian president's.

"Much has unfolded since President Putin received my letter last August," she said, referring to a note that was passed on by President Donald Trump when he met Mr Putin in Alaska .

"He responded in writing signalling a willingness to engage with me directly and outlining details regarding the Ukrainian children residing in Russia," she told reporters.

"Since then, President Putin

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