Trump, Putin discuss nuclear pacts: White House

By Michael Hernandez

WASHINGTON (AA) - U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian leader Vladimir Putin spoke for more than an hour Friday discussing a wide range of issues including nuclear arms control agreements, according to the White House.

Spokeswoman Sarah Sanders said the conversation was "very good" and "very positive" and the talk included discussions of trade, North Korea and Venezuela.

Regarding nuclear arms treaties, Sanders said the men addressed the possibility of "extending the current nuclear agreement, as well as discussions about potentially starting a new one that could include China as well."

Trump unilaterally began the process of formally withdrawing Washington from the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty, suspending it in February on allegations that Russia is not in compliance, and concerns China is not bound by its constraints on arms development.

The bilateral pact between the U.S. and Russia took effect in 1988, and was intended to mitigate the chances of nuclear war in Europe.

Trump has reportedly ordered his staff to prepare new arms control treaties with Russia and China.

It is not clear what those efforts will produce, if anything -- either separate bilateral pacts with China and Russia or a trilateral grand agreement. Either option usually takes years to achieve.

In explaining this decision to the American people to exit the INF Treaty, Trump hinted he might pursue the latter option.

"Perhaps we can negotiate a different agreement, adding China and others," Trump said during his State of the Union address in February. "Or perhaps we can’t — in which case, we will outspend and out-innovate all others by far."