Some estimate that as many as 35,000 children have been removed from Ukraine to Russia since the war began.
First Lady Melania Trump recently announced that the Russian government has allowed children who were taken to that nation from Ukraine as children to return to their families. The first lady outlined the reunification effort that she personally engaged in to reunify the displaced children, some of whom are now over 18 years of age.
“As first lady, this is an important initiative for me,” Mrs. Trump said. “It is built on shared purpose and lasting impact.”
“Given the dangers of traversing this war-torn region, their safe return requires coordinated assistance. Accordingly, Russia has agreed to rejoin the individuals who have turned 18 within a short period of time,” the first lady stated on Oct. 10. “Plans are already underway to reunify more children in the immediate future.”
Mrs. Trump described the open channel of communication she has had with President Vladimir Putin’s government since President Donald Trump gave President Putin her letter at the summit in Alaska in August. The letter appealed to the Russian leader on behalf of the well-being of the children.
The reported estimates of the number of Ukrainian children abducted and residing in Russia since the start of the war fall between 20,000 and 35,000.
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For First Lady Melania Trump as she advocates for the well-being of children and adolescents at home and abroad.
- For President Trump and Secretary of State Rubio as they seek a peace agreement between Russia and Ukraine.
Sources: USA Today, MSN, CNN