Stepashin noted the similarity of Putin's and Trump's approaches in international politics.

Russian President Vladimir Putin and his American counterpart Donald Trump put the interests of their countries above all else. This was announced on July 16 by former Russian Prime Minister Sergei Stepashin.

He also noted the common political positions of Moscow and Washington.

"Trump is a pragmatic person. By the way, they are similar to our president: for both Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump, their own country, its interests are most important," he said in an interview with RIA Novosti.

At the same time, Stepashin clarified that the US president is not interested in Ukraine or Europe. He added that Trump's wealth and the history of his state are more important.

"We have removed the most acute, glaring problems in the bilateral dossier with the United States"

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov — on the agenda of the dialogue between Moscow and Washington, the escalation in the Middle East and the extension of START-3

On July 14, Trump said that their conversations with the Russian leader were "very pleasant." Trump also expressed hope for an early deal on Ukraine, noting that Russia is a "great country."