MOSCOW: Russian President Vladimir Putin told his US counterpart Donald Trump, when they spoke by phone on Monday, about Ukraine's strik...
MOSCOW: Russian President Vladimir Putin told his US counterpart Donald Trump, when they spoke by phone on Monday, about Ukraine's strikes ahead of Victory Day and threats of terrorist attacks, Kremlin Aide Yury Ushakov said.
In response, the US leader acknowledged that the Russians made the most sacrifices during World War II, according to the Kremlin official
TASS has put together highlights from Ushakov’s statements.
Kiev’s attacks, threats
Putin mentioned to Trump that Russia had announced a three-day ceasefire in honor of Victory Day, in effect from midnight on May 8 to midnight on May 11. Overnight into May 7, Kiev fired 524 drones and Storm Shadow missiles into Russia, with most of them aimed at Moscow.
"Almost all of them were shot down. At the same time, threats of terrorist attacks in the center of the capital - near the Kremlin and Red Square - were also averted."
Putin said the Ukrainians "directly threatened foreign participants of the festive events."
"The authors of these intimidations were those who honor Nazi criminals and promote militaristic views."
Comeback of militarism
The Russian and US presidents recalled American General Douglas MacArthur, who accepted Japan's surrender. They noted he was far-sighted in warning about the danger of aggressive militarism making a comeback.
Trump also said during the conversation that he was deeply impressed by the price paid for the victory in World War II. The American leader said the Russians sacrificed more lives than anyone else in that war. He said many people in the US do not believe him when he says this, but it remains the case.
The presidents spoke "extensively and warmly" about the fact that the countries were WWII allies.
"Trump remembers we were brothers-in-arms and he regretfully said that due to strange circumstances our countries today are not only not together, but very far apart."
Third talks
Putin and Trump spoke by phone on May 19 for the third time since the new US administration came to the White House. The conversation lasted more than two hours. The Russian leader picked up the phone at the children’s educational center Sirius. Afterward, he briefed the media on the outcome of the conversation.
According to Putin, Trump said that Russia wants a peaceful settlement in Ukraine. Russia is ready to work with Ukraine on a memorandum on a future peace treaty, which could cover the issues of a ceasefire and principles of settling the conflict, among other issues.
-News Feed
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