Trump, Putin discuss nuclear pacts: White House

By Michael Hernandez</p> <p>WASHINGTON (AA) – U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian leader Vladimir Putin spoke for more than an hour Friday discussing a wide range of issues including nuclear arms control agreements, according to the White House.</p> <p>Spokeswoman Sarah Sanders said the conversation was &quot;very good&quot; and &quot;very positive&quot; and the talk included discussions of trade, North Korea and Venezuela.</p> <p>Regarding nuclear arms treaties, Sanders said the men addressed the possibility of &quot;extending the current nuclear agreement, as well as discussions about potentially starting a new one that could include China as well.&quot; </p> <p>Trump unilaterally began the process of formally withdrawing Washington from the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty, suspending it in February on allegations that Russia is not in compliance, and concerns China is not bound by its constraints on arms development.</p> <p>The bilateral pact between the U.S. and Russia took effect in 1988, and was intended to mitigate the chances of nuclear war in Europe. </p> <p>Trump has reportedly ordered his staff to prepare new arms control treaties with Russia and China.</p> <p>It is not clear what those efforts will produce, if anything — either separate bilateral pacts with China and Russia or a trilateral grand agreement. Either option usually takes years to achieve. </p> <p>In explaining this decision to the American people to exit the INF Treaty, Trump hinted he might pursue the latter option.</p> <p>&quot;Perhaps we can negotiate a different agreement, adding China and others,&quot; Trump said during his State of the Union address in February. &quot;Or perhaps we can’t — in which case, we will outspend and out-innovate all others by far.&quot;