Putin Thanks Trump for CIA Tip on Terrorist Attack

The Kremlin on Sunday said Russian President Vladimir Putin had phoned U.S. President Donald Trump to thank him for a CIA tip that prevented a terrorist attack. A statement from the Kremlin said the tip allowed authorities to “detain terrorists preparing explosions at the Kazan Cathedral in St. Petersburg and in other public places.” Putin reportedly asked Trump to thank the CIA for the information and assured him that Russian intelligence services would pass on any useful information on terrorist activity concerning the U.S. The White House confirmed later the call, saying the U.S. had provided “advanced warning” to Russian authorities of a terrorist attack that “could have killed large numbers of people.” A White House readout of the call quoted Trump as saying “he and the entire United States intelligence community were pleased to have helped save so many lives.” Russian media had earlier reported the arrest of a suspected ISIS supporter and several accomplices accused of planning an attack at the cathedral this Sunday.