(NewsNation) — First lady Melania Trump said she has been working “directly” with Russian President Vladimir Putin to coordinate the return of Ukrainian children who were taken from their homes during the war.
She announced that so far, eight children have been returned to their families, and said plans were underway to return another five.
Of the eight, the first lady said three were separated from their families because of “front-line fighting.” One of the children has returned home to Russia, she said.
The first lady said she sent Putin a letter in August asking for help returning displaced children and that the two sides have worked together “in good faith” ever since.
She said she is also hoping to secure safe passage for adults who were displaced when they were children and may need help returning to their country and families.
“I hope peace can come soon,” the first lady said. “It can begin with our children.”