Melania Trump in talks with Putin's team over return of Ukrainian children

Melania Trump says she is in direct talks with Vladimir Putin's team to pursue returns of Ukrainian children; officials say 15 children have been returned so far since her advocacy began.

Melania Trump confirmed she remains in direct communication with Russian President Vladimir Putin's team to pursue the return of more Ukrainian children. She made the remark to reporters at the White House and said she hopes for success soon. An East Wing spokesman said those lines of communication have been maintained since she sent a letter to Mr Putin that was hand-delivered by President Trump last August. The issue is being discussed amid international concern over children reportedly taken since Russia's 2022 invasion. Known details: - Melania Trump said the talks are ongoing and that specific details of the discussions were not disclosed. - An East Wing spokesman said communications began after a letter to President Putin that was hand-delivered last August. - Officials say 15 children have been returned since her advocacy began, including seven in December. - Ukraine alleges about 19,000 children were taken to Russia or Russian-held areas since February 2022; Russia denies those claims and says its actions were to protect children from the conflict. Summary: The outreach represents ongoing diplomatic engagement connected to wider negotiations over the conflict. Undetermined at this time.