President Vladimir V. Putin of Russia in Moscow on Wednesday. He discussed Ukraine and Iran with President Trump by phone on Thursday, the Kremlin said.
The rise of Izz al-Din al-Haddad in the chain of command suggests the group will hold firm to its position demanding a total end to the war before releasing all remaining hostages.
President Vladimir V. Putin of Russia in Moscow on Wednesday. He discussed Ukraine and Iran with President Trump by phone on Thursday, the Kremlin said.