Amid tensions with China, Putin and Trump discuss arms control issues in phone call

Russian President Vlimir Putin and US President Donald Trump discussed arms control and cooperation in fighting coronavirus during a phone call between two leers Thursday, Kremlin and White House said. presidents “thoroughly considered” various arms control issues “given special responsibility of Russia and U.S. for maintaining international peace and security,” Kremlin said.

According to White House, Trump reiterated his hope of avoiding an expensive three-way arms race between China, Russia, and United States and “looked forward to progress on upcoming arms control negotiations in Vienna.” Kremlin's reout of call said parties reaffirmed “ timeliness of bilateral consultations" on arms control issues, including New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty.

only remaining U.S - Russia arms control pact expires in February 2021. If it is t extended, world will be without legal restrictions on American and Russian nuclear weapons for first time in nearly half a century. Russia has offered to extend treaty for up to five years, but Trump has rebuffed offer.

During Thursday's call, he and Putin “touched upon” situation with Iran's nuclear program, Kremlin said. Trump pulled U.S. out of a 2015 nuclear pact two years ago, and Iran has been violating terms of accord to pressure remaining signatories to offset U.S. ecomic sanctions. two leers also talked about Russia and United States cooperating in ir efforts to tackle coronavirus pandemic, according to Kremlin. 

(im from AP)