Putin and Trump discuss 'Iran, the Middle East, and Ukraine'

Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump held a phone call today. Speaking to journalists, Russian Presidential Aide Yury Ushakov reported that the conversation between Putin and Trump lasted approximately 1 hour. The discussion covered the resolution process in Ukraine, conflicts in the Middle East, economic projects between Moscow and Washington, and even the exchange of films promoting traditional values.

In his statement, Russian Presidential Aide Ushakov said, "Our President stated that Russia will achieve the goals it has set (in Ukraine); meaning he referred to eliminating the root causes that led to the current situation. Russia will not abandon these goals."

Reporting that Putin told Trump that Moscow remains committed to negotiations aimed at resolving the conflict, Yury Ushakov said, "The Russian side emphasized the importance of resolving all contentious issues, disputes, and conflict situations solely through political and diplomatic means. Our President also expressed that the Russian side is ready to continue the negotiation process."

Ushakov stated, "The issue of stopping US arms shipments to Ukraine did not come up during the meeting. No specific date was discussed for a third round of talks in Istanbul."

Russian Presidential Aide Ushakov also noted that the topic of Iran was addressed during the call, stating, "The leaders of the two countries discussed the situation surrounding Iran and the Middle East in general. Our President emphasized the importance of resolving problems in Iran and the Middle East through political and diplomatic means. The Presidents also discussed the issue of Syria and agreed to continue the dialogue."

The conversation between Putin and Trump was their 6th since the beginning of this year and their 4th in the last month and a half.