Trump and Putin Hold Telephone Call on 75th Anniversary of Victory Day Europe

May 8, 2020 (EIRNS)—President Donald Trump and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin held a telephone call yesterday on the subject of the 75th anniversary of Victory Day Europe.

On the Russian President’s website, Putin emphasized the motif of allied country relations fighting together to end a common threat. The readout asserted:

“The two Presidents exchanged greetings in connection with the 75th anniversary of Victory over Nazism. They emphasised the historical importance of the allied relations that linked the two nations during World War II and allowed both countries to end a common threat. The leaders emphasized that based on these traditions, Russia and the United States can achieve much in resolving the urgent problems of our time, including maintaining strategic stability, the anti-terrorist struggle, settlement of regional conflicts, and gaining control of the epidemic.

“Discussing the coronavirus pandemic, the Presidents were positive about bilateral cooperation and agreed to continue enhancing coordination in this area. In particular, the U.S. President offered to send a consignment of medical equipment to Russia....

“The two leaders reaffirmed the importance of maintaining a dialogue and contact between Russia and the U.S. in various areas.

“They expressed satisfaction with their constructive and meaningful conversation.”

On May 7, White House Deputy Press Secretary Judd Deere stated that “Today, President Donald J. Trump spoke with President Vladimir Putin of Russia to commemorate and reflect upon the 75th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day. President Trump and President Putin discussed progress on defeating the coronavirus pandemic,” he pointed out.

“President Trump reiterated that the United States is working hard to care for Americans at home and is also ready to provide assistance to any country in need, including Russia. Trump reaffirmed that the United States is committed to effective arms control that includes not only Russia, but also China, and looks forward to future discussions to avoid a costly arms race. The two leaders also covered other bilateral and global issues.”

After the telephone discussion with Putin, Trump told reporters:

“They’re a very important nation. We’re the most powerful nation, they’re a very powerful nation. Why would we not be dealing with each other? But the Russia hoax is an absolutely dishonest hoax, made it very difficult for our nation and their nation to deal, and we discussed that. I said it’s a very appropriate time because things are falling out now and coming in line showing what a hoax this whole investigation was.”

Trump also told reporters that the U.S. is prepared to discuss arms control with Russia. “We are talking about arms control with Russia and we will go forward with that and we are talking about it very seriously,” Trump said, as quoted by Sputnik. “They’d like to do it and we’d like to do it.”