Vladimir Putin thanks Donald Trump for 'helping to prevent New Year terror attacks in St Petersburg'
Two people have been detained on suspicion of plotting attacks during New Year celebrations, according to Russian news agencies.
Monday 30 December 2019 06:44, UK
Russian President Vladimir Putin has thanked his US counterpart Donald Trump for intelligence that helped prevent terror attacks in St Petersburg, the Kremlin has said.
Two Russians were detained on 27 December on suspicion of plotting attacks during New Year celebrations in the city, according to Russian news agencies which cited the Federal Security Service (FSB).
The Kremlin said Mr Putin thanked Mr Trump during a phone call on Sunday, but gave no further details.
Diplomatic ties between Washington and Moscow have been fraught due to disagreements about Ukraine and Syria, as well as allegations of Russian meddling in the US presidential election.
However, Mr Trump and Mr Putin have managed to keep personal lines open.
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The Russian leader also phoned Mr Trump two years ago to thank him for a tip that Moscow said helped prevent a bomb attack on a cathedral in St Petersburg.
Russia has repeatedly been the target of attacks from militant groups including Islamic State.
Sunday's Kremlin statement said Mr Putin and Mr Trump agreed to continue to bilateral co-operation to tackle terrorism.