Russian leader Vladimir Putin responded to a letter from US First Lady Melania Trump regarding Ukrainian children, after which direct contacts were established that ensured the reunion of eight young Ukrainians with their families.

Melania Trump stated this in a special address at the White House on Friday, Ukrinform reports.

"A lot has happened since President Putin received my letter last August. He responded in writing, signaling his willingness to speak with me directly and providing details about Ukrainian children living in Russia," Melania Trump noted.

She also reported that since then she has had an open channel of communication with Putin, which allows her to take care of the well-being of these children. In particular, several meetings and telephone conversations have taken place through closed channels.

"My representative is working directly with Putin's team to ensure the safe reunification of children with their families between Russia and Ukraine. Eight children have been reunited with their families in the last 24 hours," Melania Trump said.

She stressed that each child had experienced the trauma of the war in Ukraine. Three of them were separated from their parents in the war zone and relocated to the Russian Federation. The other five were separated from family members on the other side of the border because of the conflict.

According to the US First Lady, Russia has demonstrated a willingness to disclose objective and detailed information reflecting the current situation regarding Ukrainian children. In particular, the Russian side has provided biographies and photographs of each child, as well as an overview of the social, medical and psychological services provided to Ukrainian children.

"In addition, I was provided with a detailed report that confirmed the identities and circumstances of these eight individuals. The US government has confirmed that the facts contained in this document are accurate," she noted.

Melania Trump also stressed that given the dangers in the region, the safe return of Ukrainian children requires coordinated assistance. She said Russia has agreed to ensure the reunification of those who have reached the age of 18 within a short period of time.

"This work is ongoing. Plans are already underway to reunite more children in the near future. I hope that peace will come soon, and it can begin with our children," Melania Trump stressed.

As Ukrinform reported, in March 2023, judges of the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued an arrest warrant for Vladimir Putin for war crimes related to the illegal deportation and displacement of the population, including children, from the occupied territory of Ukraine.

In August of this year, Melania Trump wrote a letter to Putin, which US President Donald Trump delivered to the Russian dictator during a meeting in Alaska.