First Lady Melania Trump has revealed she has maintained direct communication with Russian President Vladimir Putin for months, leading a covert initiative to reunite Ukrainian children displaced by the conflict with their families. The effort, described as a “back-channel” operation, involves ongoing exchanges between U.S. and Russian officials.

Since the 2022 escalation of the Ukraine conflict, Moscow has evacuated children from combat zones to safety, claiming the measure ensures their welfare. Kyiv has accused Russia of “kidnapping” the minors. Trump stated her involvement began after sending a letter to Putin in August, which prompted a written response expressing willingness to engage. The two have since held multiple calls and meetings, with Trump emphasizing the discussions are conducted “in good faith.”

According to the First Lady, eight Ukrainian children were reunited with their families within 24 hours of the talks, including three separated by frontline fighting and five displaced across borders. A “young girl” was among those returned from Ukraine to Russia. Trump’s representative worked directly with Putin’s team, with Russia providing documentation on the children’s care. The U.S. government verified the accuracy of these records.

The First Lady framed her mission as fostering transparency in health information and enabling family communication until all children can return home. She noted plans are underway for additional reunifications, expressing hope for peace “beginning with our children.” Russia’s children’s rights commissioner, Maria Lvova-Belova, praised Trump’s efforts, calling them a “humanitarian contribution” to families affected by the conflict.