Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke by phone for 50 minutes on Saturday with US President Donald Trump, condemning Israel's military operation against Iran and expressing concern about the risk of escalation, the Kremlin said.
"Vladimir Putin condemned Israel's military operation against Iran and expressed serious concern about the possible escalation of the conflict, which would have unpredictable consequences for the entire situation in the Middle East," Putin's adviser Yuri Ushakov told reporters.
Trump, for his part, described the events in the Middle East as "very alarming", according to Ušakov. But the two leaders said they did not rule out a return to negotiations on Iran's nuclear program, Ushakov said.
Trump told Putin that US negotiators are ready to continue talks with Iranian representatives, the Kremlin announced.
As for Ukraine, Putin told the US leader that Russia is ready to continue negotiations with the Ukrainians after June 22, according to the state news agency RIA.
Trump reiterated his interest in a quick resolution of the conflict, Ushakov said.
Putin also wished Trump a happy 79th birthday.
Photo: EPA/ANATOLY MALTSEV
