Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Tuesday thanked First Lady Melania Trump for addressing one of the most painful issues of the war — the abduction of Ukrainian children by Russia. Zelensky said the concern “lies at the heart of the war’s humanitarian tragedy.”
Melania Trump had written a letter to Russian President Vladimir Putin last Friday, urging him to protect children by restoring peace. The letter, hand-delivered by former President Donald Trump during their meeting in Alaska, called on Putin to safeguard the “innocence of children” and said such an act would “serve humanity itself.” While the letter did not specifically mention Ukraine, its meaning was clear.
The International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant for Putin in March 2023 for the forced transfer of Ukrainian children, naming Russia’s commissioner for children’s rights as well. Zelensky emphasized that at least 20,000 children have been taken and vowed his government is working to return them, along with prisoners of war and civilians held in Russia.
Zelensky also conveyed gratitude from Ukraine’s First Lady, Olena Zelenska, who wrote to Melania Trump praising her compassion and support.
