Trump To Speak To Vladimir Putin Tomorrow Amid Reports He Might Lift Obama’s Hacking Sanctions

Quid pro quo. Roll Call reports:

President Donald Trump will speak with Russian President Vladimir Putin by phone Saturday amid reports he is considering lifting U.S. sanctions against Russia over its military action in Ukraine.

Trump is also scheduled to speak Saturday with German Chancellor Angela Merkel, whom he has criticized, Reuters reported. Merkel met Friday with French President Francois Hollande amid concerns over Trump’s signals that he’s willing to considering lifting the sanctions in a effort to improve relations with the Kremlin, and Trump’s protectionist trade rhetoric.

“Let’s say it honestly, there is the challenge posed by the new U.S. administration, regarding trade rules and what our position will be on managing conflicts in the world,” Reuters reported Hollande telling reporters.