A Child's Soul Knows No Borders

A child's soul knows no borders - no flags. 

We must foster a future for our children which is rich with potential, security, and complete with free will. A world where dreams will be realized rather than faded by war. 

Much has unfolded since President Putin received my letter last August. He responded in writing, signaling a willingness to engage with me directly, and outlining details regarding the Ukrainian children residing in Russia. And since then, President Putin and I have had an open channel of communication regarding the welfare of these children. 

For the past three months, both sides have participated in several back-channel meetings and calls, all in good faith. 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 reunification of children with their families, between Russia and Ukraine. In fact, eight children have been rejoined with their families during the past 24 hours. 

Each child has lived in turmoil because of the war in Ukraine. Three were separated from their parents, and displaced to the Russian Federation, because of frontline fighting. The other five were separated from family members across borders because of the conflict, including one young girl who has now been returned from Ukraine to Russia. 

I have learned a lot about this matter during the past three months. Russia has demonstrated a willingness to disclose objective and detailed information reflective of the current situation. 

The Russian Federation provided biographies and photographs of each child involved in this week's reunification, along with an overview of the social, medical, and psychological services afforded to the Ukrainian children. 

 

Further, I was provided a detailed report which verified the identities and circumstances of these eight individuals. The US government confirmed the facts contained within this document are accurate. 

It is important to note, the original verification report was jointly prepared by the Commissioner of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine for Human Rights and the Office of the Russian Presidential Commissioner for Children's Rights. 

As First Lady, this is an important initiative for me. It is built on shared purpose and lasting impact. My ongoing mission is twofold: 

1. To optimize a transparent, free-flow exchange of health-related information surrounding all children 

who have fell victim to this war, and 

2. To facilitate the regular reunification of children with their families until each individual returns home. 

Additionally, I have raised concerns regarding those who were minors at the time they were displaced by the war, but have since reached adulthood, and currently reside in Russia. 

Given the dangers of traversing this war-torn region, their safe return requires coordinated assistance. Accordingly, Russia has agreed to rejoin the individuals who have turned eighteen within a short period of time. 

Again, this remains an ongoing effort. Plans are already underway to reunify more children in the immediate future. 

I hope peace will come soon... It can begin with our children.