John McCarthy
WASHINGTON — First Lady Melania Trump announced this morning that seven Ukrainian children abducted during Russia’s invasion of their country have been reunited with their families following quiet diplomacy with Moscow.
“My dedication to guaranteeing the safe return of children to their families in this region is unwavering,” the Slovenia-born first lady said in a statement. “I commend the leadership and persistent diplomacy of Russia and Ukraine in the pursuit of the reunification of children and families. Their bridge-building has created a tangible collaborative environment—an anchor for optimism. This cooperation will continue to drive the process forward through the next phase.”
Melania Trump, 55, announced October 10 that an initial eight kids had been returned to their relatives following the establishment of an “open channel” with the Kremlin.
Thousands of Ukrainian children have been forcibly deported to Russian territory since Moscow’s invasion began in February 2022.
Kyiv officials say at least 19,500 children remain unaccounted for, but non-official humanitarian groups believe the number is likely far higher.
“The children who come back are subdued mentally — they’re broken,” Ukraine first lady Olena Zelenska told The Post this past August. “Only after they return do they start coming back out of their shells.”
By SAMUEL CHAMBERLAIN/New York Post
