Putin, Trump back continuation of direct Russia-Ukraine talks: Kremlin

The call was initiated by Trump following his meetings at the White House with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and several European leaders, Ushakov said.

He said that Trump and Putin also discussed the idea of raising the level of representatives participating in the talks.

"Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump agreed to maintain close contact with each other on the Ukrainian issue and other pressing topics on the international and bilateral agenda," Ushakov said, describing the phone call as "frank and constructive."

On Monday local time, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said in an interview that Trump suggested that Zelensky and Putin meet. And then if that goes well, hopefully the next meeting will be a meeting between Presidents Putin, Trump, and Zelensky.

"We're not there yet, but that's what we're aiming towards and that's one of the things that was discussed today," Rubio said.

"But just the fact that Putin is saying, sure, I'll meet with Zelensky -- that's a big deal. I'm not saying they're going to leave that room with a peace deal. But I think the fact that people are now talking to each other, this wasn't happening for three and a half years," he added.

Rubio also said the U.S. is coordinating with European and non-European countries to build security guarantees for Ukraine.