By Burc Eruygur
ISTANBUL (AA) - President Vladimir Putin reaffirmed Moscow’s readiness Thursday 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.
He said both presidents further discussed the situation around Iran and the Middle East in general, noting that Russia stressed the importance of resolving disagreements by diplomatic means.
“It was agreed to continue contacts on this matter through the foreign policy departments, defense ministries and between presidential aides," said Ushakov, said, noting that developments in Syria were also discussed.
“And in this area, the Russian and American sides will continue the dialogue in a similar manner,” he said, adding that Putin congratulated Trump on the 4th of July, the US’ Independence Day.
The presidential aide added that Trump raised the issue of a speedy end to military actions in Ukraine.
US authorities have not yet commented on the call.