Russian, US presidents discuss energy, space projects, says presidential aide
President Vladimir Putin reaffirmed on Thursday Moscow's readiness to continue peace negotiations with Ukraine during a call with US President Donald Trump, according to Russian presidential aide Yury Ushakov.
Ushakov told reporters that the conversation lasted for about an hour and Putin told Trump that Moscow will seek to eliminate the root causes of the Ukraine war and “will not back down” from its goals in the ongoing conflict, now in its fourth year.
He said both presidents also discussed the situation around Iran and the Middle East in general, with Russia stressing the importance of resolving disagreements "exclusively by political and diplomatic means."
“It was agreed to continue contacts on this matter through the foreign policy departments, defense ministries and between presidential aides," said Ushakov, adding that developments in Syria were also discussed.
“The Russian and American sides will continue the dialogue in this area in a similar manner,” he said.
According to Ushakov, Putin also congratulated Trump on the July 4 US Independence Day.
"As part of the exchange of opinions on bilateral affairs, mutual interest in the implementation of a number of promising economic projects, in particular in energy and space exploration, was confirmed," the presidential aide said.
Ushakov said the Russian side, during the call, noted it played an "important" role in the formation of American statehood.
The official said Trump raised the issue of a speedy end to military actions in Ukraine, as well as informed his Russian counterpart about his key spending bill.
"Vladimir Putin wished Donald Trump success in implementing the planned reforms," he added.
It was the sixth phone call between the two leaders since Trump returned to the White House in January, with the last being on June 14.
US authorities, including Trump, did not immediately comment on the call.
So far, two rounds of direct Russia-Ukraine peace talks have been held in Istanbul, and preparations for a third session are said to be underway.
