Trump, Putin Speak Amid GOP Concerns On Sanctions
WASHINGTON (CBSNewYork/AP) -- President Donald Trump spoke with Vladimir Putin Saturday, his first conversation with the Russian president since taking office.
White House press secretary Sean Spicer tweeted a picture when the scheduled call between Trump and Putin was underway.
The Kremlin said Putin and Trump agreed to work closely together and boost ties between the powers. A Kremlin statement said "both sides showed their readiness for active, joint work to stabilize and develop Russian-American cooperation.''
There is no immediate comment from the White House.
The Kremlin said Putin and Trump will maintain "regular personal contact'' and begin preparations for a face-to-face meeting.
The Kremlin has applauded Trump's promises to rebuild U.S.-Russian relations. They've been pushed to their worst level since the Cold War by the Ukraine crisis, war in Syria and allegations of Russian meddling in U.S. elections.
Before the call, Trump was noncommittal about whether he was considering lifting economic sanctions imposed on Moscow by the Obama administration. On Friday, he told reporters, "We'll see what happens.''
The European Union also levied sanctions on Russia following its provocations in Ukraine. Trump met Friday with Prime Minister Theresa May of Britain, also an EU member. She voiced the view of many in Europe when she said the sanctions should continue.
Two Senate Republicans, John McCain and Rob Portman, are also warning the White House about easing any punishments on Moscow, vowing to turn the sanctions into law if necessary.
Later Saturday, Trump signed two more executive actions. One includes a five year lobbying ban on administration officials, and the other gives the joint chiefs of staff 30 days to come up with a plan to defeat ISIS.
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