Did Zelensky's Chief of Staff Thank Melania Trump for Her Plea to Putin?
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Synopsis
In a heartfelt message, Andriy Yermak, Chief of Staff to President Zelensky, thanked Melania Trump for urging Putin to protect and return Ukrainian children. With over 35,000 children abducted since the war began, Yermak emphasizes the urgent need for their return as a condition for peace.
Key Takeaways
- Andriy Yermak thanks Melania Trump for her appeal to Putin.
- Over 35,000 Ukrainian children have been abducted during the war.
- The return of children is crucial for any peace negotiations.
- Melania Trump's letter emphasizes the need to protect children's innocence.
- The international community must advocate for the safety of these children.
Kyiv, Aug 17 (NationPress) Andriy Yermak, the Chief of Staff for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, expressed his gratitude to the First Lady of the United States, Melania Trump, for reaching out to Russia's President Vladimir Putin with a plea to protect the Ukrainian children who have been forcibly deported.
In a social media post on Saturday, Yermak emphasized, "The repatriation of Ukrainian children taken by Russia must be a fundamental aspect of any peace negotiations."
Yermak conveyed his appreciation for Melania Trump's letter to Putin, where she urged him to "individually restore" the joyful laughter of children.
According to the Ukraine Conflict Observatory, an initiative by Yale's Humanitarian Research Lab, over 35,000 Ukrainian children have been taken during the conflict and relocated to more than 100 sites in Russia and Russian-occupied areas.
Melania Trump's letter was personally delivered by US President Donald Trump in Anchorage, Alaska, on Friday, urging Putin to safeguard children and "cultivate hope for the next generation" amidst the ongoing war in Ukraine.
In her letter, dated August 15, she wrote, "We must endeavor to create a world filled with dignity for all—so every individual can awaken to peace and secure the future. A straightforward yet profound notion, Mr. Putin, which I trust you acknowledge, is that each new generation begins life with an inherent purity that transcends borders, governance, and beliefs."
She stressed that Putin "has the power to restore the children's 'melodic laughter'" and asserted that "by protecting these children's innocence, you will be serving not only Russia but humanity as a whole. This noble concept rises above all human divisions, and you, Mr. Putin, are capable of actualizing this vision with a mere stroke of your pen today. The moment is now."
Melania Trump articulated that "Every child shares a common dream in their hearts, whether they are born in a tranquil countryside or a bustling metropolis. They yearn for love, opportunity, and safety from harm," in her letter.
She concluded, "As parents, it is our obligation to nurture hope for the upcoming generation. As leaders, the duty to protect our children goes beyond the comfort of a select few."
President Trump handed the letter to Putin prior to their critical summit in Alaska, as reported by a White House official.
Melania Trump did not attend the nearly three-hour-long meeting between US and Russian officials at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson near Anchorage.
Since the onset of the war in late February 2022, Russia has taken thousands of Ukrainian children, forcibly relocating them to Russia, attempting to confer Russian citizenship, and enrolling them in schools within Russia.
The United Nations condemned Russia in March for the hardships endured by children in Ukraine due to the ongoing conflict, which has persisted for about three-and-a-half years.
Previously, Russia claimed that it has been safeguarding children from conflict zones.
According to a Ukrainian government tracker, over 19,000 children were deported from Ukraine to Russia, with the actual figure likely being much higher.
Prior to the Trump-Putin summit, Zelensky informed reporters that Moscow has been uncooperative in discussions regarding the return of Ukrainian children.
Zelensky remarked that while some transfers have occurred with the help of other nations, Kyiv has been unable to reach a comprehensive agreement with Russia on this issue.
"This is why we aimed to resolve specific matters within this trilateral framework: ceasefire, an all-for-all exchange, and the return of children," Zelensky stated.
"This is a win-win situation: President Trump gains, the Russians lose nothing, and the Ukrainians are unscathed. It’s a just compromise."
Point of View
It is imperative to highlight the ongoing humanitarian crisis affecting Ukrainian children caught in the conflict. Their plight must be addressed, and the call for their return should not be overlooked. The international community must act in unison to ensure that these innocent lives are safeguarded, reinforcing the need for diplomacy, compassion, and accountability.
NationPress
19/08/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted Melania Trump to write to Putin?
Melania Trump wrote to Putin urging him to protect Ukrainian children who have been forcibly taken during the conflict, emphasizing the need for their safe return.
How many Ukrainian children have been abducted?
According to reports, over 35,000 Ukrainian children have been abducted and taken to various locations in Russia and occupied territories.
What did Yermak say about the return of children?
Yermak stated that the return of Ukrainian children abducted by Russia should be a primary condition for any peace agreement.
What was the reaction of the international community?
The United Nations has criticized Russia for the suffering inflicted on children due to the ongoing war.
What steps have been taken for the children's return?
While some transfers have occurred with assistance from other nations, Ukraine has yet to secure a comprehensive agreement with Russia on the return of children.
