Trump, Putin Use First Formal Phone Call to Seek Better Ties
- New U.S. president speaks with leaders of five countries
- Republican lawmakers warn against easing Russia sanctions
Skidelsky: Trump Wants a Reset With Russia
President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin pledged cooperation in fighting Islamic State terrorists, the two sides said, as they seek to ease tension after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, its support for Syria, and allegations that Russian hackers sought to sway the U.S. election.
“The positive call was a significant start to improving the relationship between the United States and Russia that is in need of repair,” the White House said in a statement after the leaders talked by phone for about an hour on Saturday. Putin told Trump he “sees the U.S. as a most important partner in the fight against international terrorism,” according to a readout of the call from the Kremlin that described the conversation as “positive and businesslike.”