Fox News has published the contents of Melania Trump’s letter to Russian President Vladimir Putin. The U.S. First Lady addresses the dictator about Ukrainian children, and President Donald Trump hands the letter to him during an Alaska meeting.
Melania Trump writes a letter to Putin
Melania Trump writes that “every child carries quiet dreams in their hearts, no matter if they were born in a remote village or in a city center—dreaming of love, opportunities and security.” She stresses that leaders must care for future generations as parents and as leaders. “A simple yet profound idea, Mr. Putin, you will surely agree: every generation begins life in purity and innocence that transcends geography, government and ideology,” she writes.
“The time has come”
In the later part of the letter, the First Lady notes that in today’s world, some children are forced to smile quietly in silent resistance to forces that might control their future. “You could alone restore their melodic laughter. By protecting the innocence of these children, you will do more than serve Russia—you will serve humanity,” she urges. “This bold idea cuts across all human divisions, and you are ready to realize it today with a single stroke of the pen. The time has come.”
Russia abducts Ukrainian children
Exact figures on how many Ukrainian children Russia has taken remain unknown. In 2023, the Polish Institute of International Affairs reported 19,546 abducted children. Earlier this August, Mykola Kuleba of Save Ukraine described a website run by the unrecognised Luhansk People’s Republic Ministry of Education where one could “select” a child based on photographs with exposed faces. Children were described as “obedient,” “peaceful,” and more. The site operated for several weeks, listing nearly 300 descriptions of children under 17 before it was shut down. Save Ukraine identified more than half of them. In March 2023, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Russian President Vladimir Putin and child‑rights spokesperson Maria L’vova‑Byelova for alleged war crimes involving illegal deportations and forced population relocations of children.