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Topics: Melania Trump, Vladimir Putin, Russia, Ukraine
Emily Brown
Topics: Melania Trump, Vladimir Putin, Russia, Ukraine
Melania Trump has explained the 'open line of communication' she has with Vladimir Putin as his country continues to wage war on Ukraine.
The First Lady spoke about her relationship with Putin in an address from the White House today (October 10), where she spoke about the needs of children who have been caught in the conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
Melania previously reached out to Putin on the matter in a letter last August, and she said today that the Russian president 'responded in writing' to signal 'a willingness to engage with [her] directly'.
According to Melania, Putin's letter outlined details about the Ukrainian children residing in Russia, after which the pair established an 'open channel of communication' regarding the welfare of these children.
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"For the past few months, both sides have participated in several backchannel meetings and called, all in good faith," Melania said in her public address. "We have agreed to cooperate with each other for the benefit of all people involved in this war.
"My representative has been working directly with President Putin's team to ensure the safe unification of children with their families between Russia and Ukraine."
As a result, Melania said, eight children who have been 'living in turmoil' have been reunited with their families in the last 24 hours.
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"Russia has demonstrated a willingness to disclose objective and detailed information reflective for the current situation," she said, adding that the Russian federation provided details on all of the children who were involved in the reunification process this week.
Melania said the effort to reunite children with their families is ongoing, adding: "I hope peace will come soon. It can begin with our children. Thank you."
Melania's address comes after Russia issued a warning to all countries, including the US, about nuclear testing.
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Speaking to reporters on the subject, Russian deputy foreign minister Sergei Ryabkov said: "If a country with the capability makes the erroneous decision to conduct nuclear tests, and Washington is clearly in our focus, then we will retaliate immediately."
Ryabkov went on to claim that progress on a potential peace deal between Russia and Ukraine had stalled following Putin's meeting with Trump in Alaska back in August.
Ryabkov explained: "Unfortunately, we have to admit that the strong momentum from Anchorage in favor of reaching agreements has, to a large extent, been exhausted. This is the result of the Europeans' destructive actions."