First Lady Melania Trump shared on Feb. 12, 2026, that six additional children had been reconnected with their families, marking the third such reunion between Russia and Ukraine since she began collaborating with both countries on the humanitarian project.
The Feb. 12, 2026, reunification included one child from Russia and five from Ukraine who had been separated from their families because of the ongoing conflict. The White House confirmed that Melania Trump and her envoy remain in talks with officials from both nations to support the return of displaced children.
“Today marks the third reunification since I have been working strategically with both nations,” Melania Trump said. “I have no doubt more progress will come.”
Her involvement began in October, when eight Ukrainian children were brought back to their families. A second effort followed in December, reuniting seven more children with their loved ones.
The initiative is tied to concerns over Ukrainian children being taken from the country and raised as Russians during the war—an issue that has gained international attention as families throughout the region remain separated from their children.
Melania Trump’s role in the reunification effort began in August, when she wrote to Russian President Vladimir Putin. President Donald Trump delivered the letter during a meeting with Putin in Alaska.
Putin replied to the first lady in writing, opening a direct communication channel between them. This outreach has facilitated ongoing cooperation over recent months, centered on supporting children affected by the Russia-Ukraine war.
Three months of discreet discussions and calls have been carried out to organize the reunions. Melania Trump’s representative has worked closely with Putin’s team to oversee the safe return of children to their families in both countries.
On X, Melania Trump wrote on Feb. 13, 2026, that she is grateful to see both Russia and Ukraine committed to bringing displaced children home. She emphasized that despite strong cooperation and open communication, she encourages both sides to intensify their efforts to ensure every child is safely reunited with their families and guardians.
This ongoing diplomatic effort represents one of the few areas of collaboration between two nations still engaged in active conflict. Even as the war continues, both sides have shown a willingness to work together on the humanitarian goal of reuniting children with their families.
Child reunification during wartime presents significant logistical and diplomatic barriers. It requires coordination across agencies, confirmation of family ties, and secure travel through conflict zones. The direct communication channel between the first lady’s office and Russian leadership has simplified some of these complicated negotiations.
International humanitarian law generally safeguards children during conflicts and forbids their forced transfer from occupied areas. These reunification efforts address cases where children were displaced or separated due to the war.
The first lady’s initiative builds upon traditional roles played by U.S. first ladies who champion humanitarian causes. While they hold no formal government authority, first ladies frequently use their influence to highlight urgent social and humanitarian issues.
The White House has stressed that communication between both sides remains strong and that all parties are acting in good faith. Continued dialogue suggests that additional reunifications may take place in the coming months as the diplomatic channel remains active.
Newly released photos from the White House also show Melania Trump meeting with Keith and Aviva Siegel in the Blue Room on Feb. 4, 2026, in Washington, D.C. Keith Siegel regained his freedom on Feb. 1, 2025, after being held by Hamas in Gaza for 484 days. Aviva Siegel, who had also been held, was released earlier in November 2023.
The meeting underscored the first lady’s broader humanitarian interests involving families separated by conflict. Although the Siegels’ situation concerns a different region, the meeting highlighted the administration’s focus on hostage and reunification issues across various global crises.
Analysts note that humanitarian corridors and agreements often create openings for conversation even when larger peace efforts are stalled. The child reunification channel is one example of practical cooperation persisting despite the active conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
The first lady has described this effort as a vital initiative built on shared goals and meaningful outcomes. With its focus on children’s welfare, the initiative seeks to meet urgent humanitarian needs while keeping lines of communication open between the two sides in the conflict.
As reunification work continues, the White House has indicated that Russia and Ukraine remain dedicated to identifying and returning more children displaced by the war. The effort requires detailed documentation and verification to ensure each child is safely returned to their rightful families and guardians.
