Zelenska and Trump both stress the importance of protecting children amidst the ongoing conflict.
Olena Zelenska's Heartfelt Letter to Melania Trump Highlights Ukraine's Child Abduction Crisis
Olena Zelenska's Heartfelt Letter to Melania Trump Highlights Ukraine's Child Abduction Crisis
The note emphasizes the plight of 19,500 Ukrainian children abducted during the war.
In a poignant gesture, Ukraine's First Lady Olena Zelenska penned a letter addressed to Melania Trump, which was delivered during a meeting between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and former President Donald Trump in the Oval Office. The letter serves as a heartfelt thank-you to Melania for her efforts in drawing attention to the alarming abduction of approximately 19,500 Ukrainian children since Russia's full-scale invasion began in 2022.
During the meeting, Zelensky presented the letter as a token of gratitude, underscoring the significance of Melania's advocacy. Earlier in the year, Melania sent a message to Russian President Vladimir Putin, urging him to prioritize the welfare of children. Her letter appealed for compassion, stating, "In protecting the innocence of these children, you will do more than serve Russia alone - you serve humanity." This message, however, did not specify individual cases.
The First Lady's statement highlighted the universal dream of children for love, safety, and a future devoid of fear. She emphasized that Putin has the power to bring back the joy and laughter of these children. Responding to a question about Melania's commitment to this cause, Trump remarked that she harbors a profound love for children and is deeply pained by the ongoing conflicts, not only in Ukraine.
Zelensky expressed profound appreciation for Melania's compassion, stating, "This issue lies at the heart of the war's humanitarian tragedy – our children, broken families, and the pain of separation." He acknowledged that every voice and act of care matters in this critical struggle.
The Ukrainian government maintains that many of the abducted children have been forcibly relocated to Russia or occupied territories, with only around 1,500 having been returned. In 2023, an arrest warrant was issued by the International Criminal Court against Putin and his Children's Rights Commissioner for the alleged unlawful deportation of these children, an accusation that has been staunchly denied by Russia which claims to have protected these children from the war's ravages.
Following the meeting, European Commission President Ursula Von der Leyen reiterated the necessity of addressing the humanitarian crisis, emphasizing that all abducted children should be returned to their families. Trump's commitment to this humanitarian cause is evident through his acknowledgment of Melania's focus on the issue, which he stated is a matter close to her heart.
In Kyiv, 72-year-old Valerii Krut, a grandfather, lamented the fate of abducted children, noting their loss of homeland and parental care. Student Sofia Muravytska, 19, expressed hope regarding the correspondence between the two First Ladies, affirming that these children represent Ukraine's future.
During the meeting, Zelensky presented the letter as a token of gratitude, underscoring the significance of Melania's advocacy. Earlier in the year, Melania sent a message to Russian President Vladimir Putin, urging him to prioritize the welfare of children. Her letter appealed for compassion, stating, "In protecting the innocence of these children, you will do more than serve Russia alone - you serve humanity." This message, however, did not specify individual cases.
The First Lady's statement highlighted the universal dream of children for love, safety, and a future devoid of fear. She emphasized that Putin has the power to bring back the joy and laughter of these children. Responding to a question about Melania's commitment to this cause, Trump remarked that she harbors a profound love for children and is deeply pained by the ongoing conflicts, not only in Ukraine.
Zelensky expressed profound appreciation for Melania's compassion, stating, "This issue lies at the heart of the war's humanitarian tragedy – our children, broken families, and the pain of separation." He acknowledged that every voice and act of care matters in this critical struggle.
The Ukrainian government maintains that many of the abducted children have been forcibly relocated to Russia or occupied territories, with only around 1,500 having been returned. In 2023, an arrest warrant was issued by the International Criminal Court against Putin and his Children's Rights Commissioner for the alleged unlawful deportation of these children, an accusation that has been staunchly denied by Russia which claims to have protected these children from the war's ravages.
Following the meeting, European Commission President Ursula Von der Leyen reiterated the necessity of addressing the humanitarian crisis, emphasizing that all abducted children should be returned to their families. Trump's commitment to this humanitarian cause is evident through his acknowledgment of Melania's focus on the issue, which he stated is a matter close to her heart.
In Kyiv, 72-year-old Valerii Krut, a grandfather, lamented the fate of abducted children, noting their loss of homeland and parental care. Student Sofia Muravytska, 19, expressed hope regarding the correspondence between the two First Ladies, affirming that these children represent Ukraine's future.
