The White House on Sunday confirmed that Russian President Vladimir Putin called President Trump to thank him.
Responding on Twitter to a report that said Putin called Trump “to thank him for a CIA tip that thwarted bombings,” White House press secretary Sarah Sanders confirmed the report and said the White House would follow up with more information.
The two leaders also spoke Thursday and on the call, the White House said Trump “thanked President Putin for acknowledging America’s strong economic performance” earlier in the day.
Can confirm @POTUS and President Putin spoke today. Readout from the WH coming shortly. https://t.co/EzRhqM52d8
— Sarah Sanders (@PressSec) December 17, 2017
The Associated Press reported Friday Russian authorities arrested seven people claiming to be members of the Islamic State who were planning bombings in St. Petersburg during the weekend.
The AP reported authorities searched a St. Petersburg apartment and found explosives, automatic weapons and extremist literature.
The White House later said in a readout it was due to a “job well done” that the attacks were stopped.
“Based on the information the United States provided, Russian authorities were able to capture the terrorists just prior to an attack that could have killed large numbers of people. No Russian lives were lost and the terrorist attackers were caught and are now incarcerated,” the statement read.
“President Trump appreciated the call and told President Putin that he and the entire United States intelligence community were pleased to have helped save so many lives. President Trump stressed the importance of intelligence cooperation to defeat terrorists wherever they may be. Both leaders agreed that this serves as an example of the positive things that can occur when our countries work together. President Putin extended his thanks and congratulations to Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) Director Mike Pompeo and the CIA.”
“President Trump then called Director Pompeo to congratulate him, his very talented people, and the entire intelligence community on a job well done!” the statement concluded.
