Putin, Trump instruct aides to immediately begin preparations for face-to-face meeting: Kremlin

By Elena Teslova

MOSCOW (AA) — The Kremlin said Thursday that the Russian and US presidents have instructed their aides to immediately begin preparations for a face-to-face meeting between the two leaders following a recent phone call.

"The heads of state (of Russia and the US) agreed during their telephone conversation yesterday that they would maintain direct contact, focus on arranging a separate meeting, and immediately instruct their respective aides to begin the necessary preparations," Dmitry Peskov told a news briefing in Moscow.

Asked whether a ceasefire in the Russia-Ukraine war would be a prerequisite for the meeting, Peskov said the topic was not discussed. He also noted that it remains unclear which countries may participate in the talks.

"The political will of the two leaders has been expressed, and instructions have been given. However, this decision was made just last night in Moscow. It is now only midday the next day, so some patience is required," he said.

On Wednesday, Putin and Trump held their first phone conversation since the US president took office last month, discussing key global and bilateral issues, according to statements from both the Kremlin and the White House.