INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
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.June 2019: Trump asks a smirking Putin 'not to meddle'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.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.
