Melania Trump's Diplomatic Success: Securing the Return of Ukrainian Children Through Direct Talks with Putin

US First Lady Melania Trump announced Friday that she had successfully negotiated the release of Ukrainian children taken by Russia through establishing a direct communication channel with President Vladimir Putin.

During a rare White House press conference, she disclosed weeks of behind-the-scenes diplomatic efforts with the Russian leader following his Alaska summit with President Donald Trump.

She revealed that eight children displaced by Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine had been returned to their homes within the past 24 hours.

The 55-year-old First Lady explained that Putin agreed to assist after she sent him a letter through her husband during the summit, which otherwise ended without significant progress on resolving the war now in its fourth year.

"Following President Putin's receipt of my letter last August, he responded in writing indicating willingness to engage directly with me and providing details about Ukrainian children residing in Russia," she informed reporters.

"Since then, President Putin and I have maintained an open communication channel regarding these children's welfare."

The Slovenian-born former model added that both parties had conducted "several back channel meetings and calls, all in good faith."

"My representative has worked directly with President Putin's team to ensure safe reunification of children with their families between Russia and Ukraine," she stated.

"In fact, eight children have been reunited with their families during the past 24 hours."

Seven children were returned to Ukraine from Russia, while one young girl returned to Russia from Ukraine.

Three had been separated from parents and "displaced to the Russian Federation by frontline fighting," according to the First Lady.

The others, including the girl returned to Russia, were "separated from family members across borders" due to the conflict.

Kyiv has accused Moscow of abducting nearly 20,000 children from eastern and southern Ukraine following Russia's February 2022 invasion.

Ukraine has prioritized the issue of abducted children in its diplomatic efforts.

The International Criminal Court has issued arrest warrants for Putin and his children's rights commissioner, Maria Lvova-Belova, over child abduction allegations.

Russia maintains it relocated certain Ukrainian children from homes or orphanages for protection from hostilities.

Melania Trump stated that Russia had "demonstrated willingness" to share identification details of abducted children, including biographies and photographs.

She committed to continuing efforts for more children's return to their homes.

"This initiative is important to me. It is built on shared purpose and lasting impact," she added.

The announcement represented a rare sign of progress in the Ukraine war, which President Trump vowed to resolve within 24 hours of taking office but now acknowledges as the most challenging conflict he has attempted to address.

This was also an uncommon solo appearance by Melania Trump, who has maintained a low profile at the White House since her husband's return to power in January, often preferring New York or Florida.

The First Lady has, however, highlighted several initiatives, frequently involving children.

Melania also joined her husband during their state visit to Britain in September, making a joint appearance with Princess Catherine, wife of Prince William, heir to the British throne.