The Kremlin announced that Russian President Vladimir Putin held a phone conversation with U.S. President Donald Trump on Saturday. The leaders discussed the situation in Ukraine and various international issues ahead of the upcoming NATO summit in Ankara.
Yuri Ushakov, Putin's aide on foreign affairs, stated that the conversation lasted 85 minutes and described it as "very constructive and productive."
RIA Novosti quoted Ushakov saying that the presidents "naturally addressed the issue of reaching a settlement in Ukraine, particularly considering Donald Trump's anticipated participation in the NATO summit in Turkey on July 7 and 8."
The Kremlin noted that both leaders emphasized the importance of respecting the shared history and alliance between Moscow and Washington during World War II.
Ushakov explained that the call began with Putin congratulating his American counterpart and the U.S. people on the 250th anniversary of U.S. independence.
He said: "The telephone call today started with President Vladimir Putin personally congratulating Donald Trump and the entire American nation on this significant occasion, recalling Russia's contribution to the development of the American state."
Earlier on Saturday, Kyiv announced that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky also had a phone conversation with Trump.