The President of the United States (US), Joe Biden had a telephone conversation yesterday with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin to discuss some sensitive issues involving the two countries.
Bernama quoted a statement issued by the White House as saying that among the things discussed was related to reports that Russia was rewarding US troops in Afghanistan which sparked Washington's anger against the Kremlin.
Biden and Putin also discussed the readiness of the two countries to pursue a five-year Russia-United States (US) strategic arms reduction agreement (START).
In addition, the US and Russia have agreed that officials from both countries should immediately resolve matters related to the agreement by February 5.
Biden also raised issues related to Russia's intervention in last year's US presidential election and the case of Kremlin critic Aleksey Navalny.
Biden also told Putin that Washington would defend its interests in response to actions by the Kremlin that could endanger the U.S. or US allies.
The statement added that the two leaders also reached an agreement to hold further talks on arms control and other security issues.
In addition, Biden also reiterated US support for Ukrainian sovereignty. The country often faced conflicts with Russia as soon as the Soviet Union was dissolved.
