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Seven Ukrainian children returned from Russia, Melania Trump confirms

05.12.2025 12:20
Seven more Ukrainians – six boys and one girl – have been returned from Russia to their families, U.S. First Lady Melania Trump confirmed on Thursday, according to a Reuters report.
US First Lady Melania Trump at the National Christmas Tree lighting on the Ellipse outside the White House in Washington, D.C., USA, 4 December 2025.
US First Lady Melania Trump at the National Christmas Tree lighting on the Ellipse outside the White House in Washington, D.C., USA, 4 December 2025.Photo: JIM LO SCALZO/PAP/EPA

The first lady has made the repatriation of Ukrainian children a priority, previously engaging directly with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Some children had already been returned in earlier stages, with further reunifications planned, Reuters reported.

Ukraine says at least 19,000 of its children have been taken to Russia or Russian-controlled areas since the invasion in February 2022, without parental consent. Russia denies the claims.

The United States joined other nations at the UN General Assembly this week in calling for the immediate and unconditional return of all Ukrainian children taken from their families.

Ukraine has welcomed the resolution, noting that around 1,850 children have been returned so far.

In March 2023, the International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant for President Putin over the alleged war crime of deporting Ukrainian children, which Russia rejected.

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Source: Reuters