US President Donald Trump and Russian leader Vladimir Putin had a phone call lasting more than 2 hours on May 19, local time.
The focus of the phone call was on peace negotiations in Ukraine and trade relations between Russia and the US. However, Mr. Trump said that Mr. Putin also mentioned First Lady of the United States Melania Trump in a phone call.
According to Newsweek, speaking at an event in the White House Red Garden, President Trump revealed: "Mr. Putin just said: "They respect your wife very much". When Mr. Trump responded, "What about me? , Mr. Putin replied: "They like Melania better".
According to TASS, President Putin said that the phone call lasted more than 2 hours "very effective and quite frank, and in my opinion, very useful". He also stressed that the discussion was "extremely constructive and I appreciate that".
Also according to the Russian state news agency, Russian presidential aide Yury Ushakov revealed that the phone call between the Russian and US leaders lasted "accurately 2 hours and 5 minutes". During the conversation, Mr. Putin and Mr. Trump called each other by name.
Mr. Ushakov emphasized that the two leaders had a frank and constructive conversation: It is interesting that the conversation began with our president congratulating Mr. Donald Trump on the birth of his 11th grandson, wishing the health of Mr. Trumps baby and daughter.
The two leaders then "immediately began in-depth discussions on the settlement of the conflict in Ukraine, including considering recent direct talks between Russia and Ukraine in Istanbul". The issue of Ukraine was discussed in great detail, "there are many nuances, including quite interesting nuances," he added.
According to the Russian presidential assistant, President Putin acknowledged the active role of President Trump and his administration in bringing Ukraine back to negotiations. The deadline and deadline for a ceasefire in Ukraine were not discussed, "although Trump stressed his interest in reaching a deal as soon as possible."
The leaders also discussed another Prisoner exchange between Russia and the US. "The presidents note that another exchange, exchanging nine for nine, is underway," he said.
The two presidents also agreed to call each other when needed: "Trump said: "Vladimir, you can pick up your phone at any time, and I would be happy to answer, I would be happy to talk to you" - the Russian presidential assistant recounted.
The most recent exchange between Mr. Putin and Mr. Trump took place on March 18. The content of the conversation revolved around the issues of Ukraine and the Middle East, as well as bilateral relations. Previously, Mr. Putin and Mr. Trump had a phone call on February 12 to discuss the issue of Ukraine, as well as issues of Russia-US relations. The two presidents agreed to continue contacting, including holding a face-to-face meeting.
