WASHINGTON _ Russian President Vladimir Putin called U.S. President Donald Trump to thank him for intelligence that helped prevent terrorist acts in Russia, the Kremlin said in a statement.
The two leaders discussed further cooperation to combat terrorism and "other issues of mutual interest," according to a Kremlin statement issued Sunday. The White House hasn't confirmed the call.
Trump and Putin have had an unusually warm relationship, despite warnings from Republicans and Democrats that Russia is looking to meddle in U.S. affairs. Putin defended Trump by dismissing his impeachment by the House earlier this month.
The former KGB spy also denies that his country intervened in the 2016 presidential election to help get Trump elected. Trump has also downplayed findings from U.S. intelligence agencies and said he believes Putin.
Trump has spoken about his interactions with Putin in glowing terms. Putin in the past has repeated referred to Trump as "Donald," while discussing their relations. The American leader this summer endorsed readmitting Russia into the Group of Seven economies and has often urged efforts to improve U.S. relations with the Kremlin.
The Kremlin statement also said the two leaders agreed to continue their cooperation to combat terrorism.
