It was supposed to be about oil, but the discussion also focused on the fight against the coronavirus. The two heads of state Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump spoke by phone on Monday March 30, saying they were "gravely concerned about the extent of the spread of the coronavirus in the world," the Kremlin said in a statement.

The Russian and American presidents informed each other of the measures taken in their respective countries. "The possibility of closer cooperation between the two countries on this issue has been discussed," it said.

Russia decreed Monday the confinement of the capital, Moscow, and several other regions to fight against the spread of the coronavirus. For their part, the United States is now the country with the most confirmed cases - more than 143,000 Monday morning - and more than 2,500 deaths.

Oil price consultations planned

Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump also discussed oil prices, which were rolled back by the price war launched by Saudi Arabia. They agreed to "Russian-American consultations on the subject between energy ministers," said the Kremlin.

Oil prices have been breaking records of weakness for weeks due to the sharp drop in demand and the price war between Russia and Saudi Arabia.

With AFP

The France 24 week summary invites you to come back to the news that marked the week

I subscribe

Take international news everywhere with you! Download the France 24 app

google-play-badge_FR