Western leaders, Putin strike more cordial tone after re-election
  • 6 years ago
Western leaders and Russian President Vladimir Putin have struck a softer tone after was re-elected to a fourth term on Sunday.
German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Emmanuel Macron both wished Putin success.
Merkel also called on her Russian counterpart to work for solutions to international issues, without specifying which ones.
But, Macron reiterated his concerns about Russia's involvement in Syria and also called on Moscow to clarify its role in the recent poisoning of a Russian ex-spy in England.
The White House said there was currently no congratulatory call scheduled between Putin and President Trump.
After his election victory, Putin said he was open to dialogue with other countries.
He added that he would cut defense spending to avoid an arms race and focus on the domestic economy.
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