Moscow, July 5 (SANA) Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump discussed bilateral relations, the conflict in Ukraine, and regional and international issues during a telephone call on Saturday evening, the Kremlin said in a statement.
The conversation, which lasted more than an hour and was initiated by the U.S. side, focused on bilateral cooperation and current international issues, according to the Kremlin. During the call, Putin said developing mutually beneficial relations between Moscow and Washington serves the interests of both countries and the international community. He also congratulated Trump on the occasion of U.S. Independence Day and referred to Russia’s historical role in supporting U.S. independence.
According to the Kremlin, the two leaders discussed the Russia-Ukraine conflict and prospects for a political settlement. Putin briefed Trump on the situation along the line of contact, saying Russian forces’ capture of Konstantinovka represented an important step in ongoing operations in the Donbas region. He added that assessments by Kyiv and the European Union of the battlefield situation were based on what he described as “misconceptions.”
Trump said the United States was prepared to support efforts to end the fighting as soon as possible and pursue a peaceful resolution. He said bringing the conflict to an end would create opportunities for broader economic cooperation between Russia and the United States.
On Iran, Putin expressed hope that ongoing negotiations between Washington and Tehran, based on their joint memorandum of understanding, would produce long-term, mutually acceptable solutions. He said Russia was prepared to provide practical assistance to support de-escalation efforts.
Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov said Trump welcomed Russia’s balanced approach and constructive proposals regarding Iran.
The two presidents also stressed the importance of maintaining political, military and economic contacts, highlighting ongoing cooperation, including a planned joint Russian-U.S. mission to the International Space Station from the Baikonur Cosmodrome.
Putin renewed his invitation for Trump to visit Russia, and the two leaders agreed to continue dialogue and remain in close contact, the Kremlin said.
The call comes as Moscow and Washington seek to preserve channels of communication after years of strained relations over sanctions, the conflict in Ukraine and Iran’s nuclear program.
T.S /ABD
