TRUMP, PUTIN RESUME CONTACT IN ‘BUSINESS-LIKE’ PHONE CALL

U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin signalled the prospect of increased co-operation in Syria Tuesday, in what the White House called a “very good” phone discussion that included a focus on setting up safe zones in the war-torn nation.

The White House said the leaders also agreed to try to set up their first in-person meeting in July, on the sidelines of a summit in Germany.

Tuesday’s call marked the first time Trump and Putin have spoken since the U.S. launched missiles against an airbase in Syria, an attack that outraged Russia, one of the Syrian government’s strongest backers. The U.S. military action sparked new tensions between Washington and Moscow, with top U.S. officials sharply condemning Putin’s continued support for embattled Syrian leader Bashar Assad.

But the leaders appeared to again be edging toward closer co-operation following Tuesday’s call. The Kremlin said Trump and Putin agreed to bolster diplomatic efforts to resolve the Syrian civil war, which has left hundreds of thousands dead and millions more displaced. The White House announced it would send a top State Department official to Russian-led talks on Syria that begin Wednesday in Kazakhstan.

The Kremlin characterized the call as “business-like” and “constructive.” It made no mention of safe zones.

MANDEL NGAN / AFP / GETTY IMAGES FILES