First lady Melania Trump again has helped unite Ukrainian and Russian children with their families after they were separated because of the ongoing war between the two countries.
Trump successfully facilitated another round of reunifications on Thursday — marking the third time she has helped bring displaced children home since launching her humanitarian initiative.
"I appreciate that Russia and Ukraine are dedicated to bringing back the children who have been displaced because of the circumstances surrounding this conflict," the first lady said in a White House release announcing the reunifications.
"Although all parties are cooperating and our communications remain robust, I urge Russia and Ukraine to intensify their efforts to ensure the safe return of every child to their families and guardians."
The first lady and her representative continue to engage in direct discussions with officials in both Moscow and Kyiv.
"Today marks the third reunification since I have been working strategically with both nations. I have no doubt more progress will come," she added.
The effort builds on progress first revealed in October, when Trump disclosed she had initiated direct outreach to Russian President Vladimir Putin through a personal letter.
Putin responded in writing and agreed to open a line of communication focused specifically on the welfare of Ukrainian children residing in Russia.
Backchannel talks followed, resulting in the reunification of eight children within 24 hours during one round of diplomacy.
At the time, Trump emphasized transparency and verification, noting that both Russian and Ukrainian authorities provided detailed biographies, photographs, and documentation to confirm the children's identities and well-being. U.S. officials verified the accuracy of those reports.
In December, the White House announced that seven additional Ukrainian children had been reunited with their families under the first lady's initiative.
Trump called her dedication to returning displaced children "unwavering," praising both governments for cooperating despite the broader conflict.
Her mission, she has said, is twofold: to ensure a transparent exchange of health and welfare information concerning displaced minors and to continue facilitating reunifications until "each individual returns home."
The initiative has drawn attention as a rare example of cross-border humanitarian cooperation amid a war that has strained global diplomacy.
While the Biden-era foreign policy establishment often struggled to maintain open channels between Moscow and Washington, Trump's direct diplomacy has produced tangible results centered on children caught in the conflict.
Calling the reunifications an "ongoing effort built on shared purpose and lasting impact," the first lady has framed the initiative as a step toward broader stability.
"We must foster a future for our children, which is rich with potential, security, and complete with free will," she said previously. "I hope peace will come soon. It can begin with our children."
With three rounds of reunifications now completed, the White House signaled that Trump’s behind-the-scenes diplomacy will continue, one child at a time.
Charlie McCarthy ✉
Charlie McCarthy, a writer/editor at Newsmax, has nearly 40 years of experience covering news, sports, and politics.
© 2026 Newsmax. All rights reserved.