First lady Melania Trump announces the return of Ukrainian children taken from their country by Russia in remarks at the White House on October 10, 2025. Samuel Corum/Sipa USA

While praising first lady Melania Trump’s work to return Ukrainian children from Russian captivity, President Donald Trump last week seemed to downplay the estimates of the number of children allegedly abducted since the war began.

Seated across the table in the White House Cabinet Room, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky did not try to correct his counterpart, nor did he answer a reporter’s question about whether he appreciated the American first lady’s efforts. Instead, he turned, cocked his head and silently nodded.

The moment underscored deep sensitivity around a complex issue that the first lady has

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