The conversation between Russian and US Presidents Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump “on their feet” during the G20 summit in Argentina occurred after the American leader approached the Russian one. This was announced by Putin's assistant Yuri Ushakov.

According to him, the conversation took place at a reception in honor of the leaders of the G20 member countries and lasted 10–15 minutes. Only the conflict between Russia and Ukraine in the Kerch Strait and the general situation in Ukraine were discussed, Ushakov noted, adding that he “cannot reveal everything.” “Our president explained in detail, as much as possible in 10–15 minutes, our assessment of what happened, and the US President listened carefully to our argument,” Ushakov emphasized.

For the Kremlin, Trump’s refusal to hold a full-format meeting was not a “slap in the face” and did not cause offense, a Putin aide said. The Russian side is ready to talk, he noted, but will not beg or impose. “Now the Americans must step up themselves and offer something. We think so,” concluded Ushakov.

A full meeting between Putin and Trump at the G20 summit was supposed to take place on December 1. But on November 29, the US President canceled it. He explained this decision by saying that it would be better for all parties concerned, since Russia did not return sailors and ships to Ukraine after the conflict in the Kerch Strait.

At the ceremony for photographing G20 leaders on November 30, Putin and Trump did not greet each other. Later that day, Putin's press secretary Dmitry Peskov noted that the presidents of the United States and Russia still greeted each other, but they did not have the opportunity to communicate.

On December 1, the Kremlin announced a “short contact” between the presidents. Putin, at a press conference following the summit , said that he had a conversation with Trump “on his feet.” “I answered his questions related to this incident in the Black Sea. He has his own position on these issues and problems, I have mine. We remained unconvinced, but in any case, I informed him about our vision of this incident,” Putin emphasized.

The White House said Trump had an "informal conversation" with Putin on November 30, and noted that this was "typical of multilateral events."

Ricardo Mazalan / AP Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump met on... Pablo Martinez Monsivais / AP Interfax and TASS agencies write that the presidents did not greet each other... Marcos Brindicci / REUTERS The photography was broadcast by the Ruptly agency, but the moment when Trump p... Marcos Brindicci / Reuters Full-scale negotiations between Putin and Trump were planned in Buenos Aires. About... Marcos Brindicci / Reuters Canceling an agreed upon meeting at the last minute is a very drastic decision. In K... Ricardo Mazalan / AP Putin was one of the first to come to the photographing ceremony. In the photo he is together... Pablo Martinez Monsivais / AP Joint photo of the G20 leaders. Putin and Trump on opposite sides

Ushakov: Trump himself approached Putin at the G20 summit