First Lady Melania Trump has reunited a group of Ukrainian and Russian children with their families, the fifth group she has facilitated in doing so. According to her office, Mrs. Trump’s efforts have “bridged political divides in pursuit of a singular humanitarian mission: placing the well-being of children above conflict and helping restore families torn apart by war.” Five children were reunited in the latest group.
“While diplomacy and peacebuilding are important to this effort, they are surpassed by our collective ability to place children above international disputes,” the First Lady said. “Every reunion is a reminder that compassion, dignity, and family can transcend even the darkest of times: war. My representative and I continue working with the governments of Russia and Ukraine to safely return children to their families and communities.”
Earlier this year, the United States announced last week that it will provide $25 million in an effort to reunite children with their families.
In August, the first lady penned a letter to Russian President Vladimir Putin, expressing concerns for the children.The Commissioner for Children’s Rights in Russia, Maria Lvova-Belova, thanked Mrs. Trump for her “unwavering commitment and engagement in efforts to reunite children with their families.”
Upon the first wave of family reunifications last October, Mrs. Trump said that she and Russian President Vladimir Putin have had an “open channel of communication” for the endeavor. “My representative has been working directly with President Putin’s team to ensure the safe reunification of children with their families between Russia and Ukraine,” she explained at the time.
