Untitled Document

[00:00:10] Good morning. [00:00:12] >> Good morning. [00:00:13] >> A child's soul knows no borders, no fls. [00:00:19] We must foster a future for our children [00:00:23] which is rich with potential security [00:00:26] and complete with free will. [00:00:30] A world where dreams will be realized [00:00:34] rather than faded by war. [00:00:38] Much has unfolded since President Putin [00:00:41] received my letter last August. [00:00:44] He responded in writing, signaling a [00:00:48] willingness to engaged with me directly [00:00:51] and outlining details regarding the [00:00:55] Ukrainian children residing in Russia. [00:01:00] And since then, President Putin and I [00:01:03] have had an open channel of [00:01:05] communication [00:01:06] regarding the welfare of these children. [00:01:12] For the past three months, both sides [00:01:16] have participated in several back [00:01:19] channel meetings and calls, all in good [00:01:22] faith. [00:01:24] We have agreed to cooperate with each [00:01:26] other for the benefit of all people [00:01:30] involved in this war. [00:01:34] My pres representative has been working [00:01:36] directly with President Putin's team to [00:01:40] ensure the safe reunification of [00:01:42] children with their families between [00:01:45] Russia and Ukraine. [00:01:49] In fact, eight children have been [00:01:51] rejoined with their families during the [00:01:54] past 24 hours. [00:01:59] Each child has lived in turmoil because [00:02:02] of the war in Ukraine. [00:02:04] Three were separated from their parents [00:02:08] and displaced to the Russian Federation [00:02:11] because of frontline fighting. [00:02:15] The other five were separated from [00:02:17] family members across borders because of [00:02:21] the conflict, [00:02:22] including one young girl who has now [00:02:25] been reunited from Ukraine to Russia. [00:02:31] I have learned a lot about this matter [00:02:33] during the past three months. [00:02:36] Russia has demonstrated a willingness to [00:02:39] disclose objective and detailed [00:02:42] information [00:02:43] reflective for the current situation. [00:02:48] The Russian Federation provided [00:02:51] biographies [00:02:52] and photographs of each child involved [00:02:55] in this week's reunification [00:02:58] along with an overview of the social, [00:03:01] medical, and psychological services [00:03:05] afforded to the Ukrainian children. [00:03:09] Further, I was provided a detailed [00:03:12] report which verified the identities and [00:03:17] circumstances of these eight [00:03:18] individuals. [00:03:21] The US government confirmed the facts [00:03:24] contained within this document are [00:03:27] accurate. [00:03:29] It is important to note the original [00:03:32] verification report was jointly prepared [00:03:36] by the commissioner of the workopona [00:03:39] rada of Ukraine for human rights and [00:03:43] office of the Russian presidential [00:03:46] commissioner for children's rights [00:03:50] as first lady. This is an important [00:03:53] initiative for me. [00:03:56] It is built on shared purpose and [00:03:58] lasting impact. [00:04:01] My ongoing mission is twofold. [00:04:06] To prioritize to opt optimize and and a [00:04:10] transparent free flow exchange of health [00:04:14] related information surrounding all [00:04:16] children who have fell victim to this [00:04:19] war. [00:04:21] and to facilitate the regular [00:04:24] recommunication of children with their [00:04:26] families until each individual returns [00:04:30] home. [00:04:32] Additionally, [00:04:34] I have raised concerns regarding those [00:04:37] who were minors at the time they were [00:04:40] displaced by the war but have since [00:04:43] reached adulthood and currently reside [00:04:46] in Russia. [00:04:49] Given the dangers of traversing this war [00:04:52] torn region, their safe return requires [00:04:56] coordinated assistance. [00:04:59] Accordingly, Russia has agreed to rejoin [00:05:02] the individuals who have turned 18 [00:05:05] within a short period of time. [00:05:09] Again, [00:05:11] this remains an ongoing effort. [00:05:15] Plans are already underway to reunify [00:05:18] more children in the immediate future. [00:05:23] I hope peace will come soon. [00:05:26] It can begin with our children. [00:05:29] Thank you. [00:05:31] >> First lady, are you speaking with [00:05:33] President Putin? [00:05:36] Present. No