WASHINGTON, March 3. /TASS/. The resumption of direct contacts between the presidents of Russia and the United States is a crucial precondition for any settlement process, former US Ambassador to the Soviet Union (1987-1991) Jack Matlock wrote in an article, published by the Responsible Statecraft portal.

Matlock supported US President Donald Trump’s return to the policy of negotiated solutions, saying that it replaced "a fundamentally flawed and dangerous set of policies adopted by his predecessors including, ironically, the Donald Trump of his first administration."

If the conflict is resolved, and "Russia is brought back into cooperative economic relations with Europe and the United States, everyone will benefit," the US diplomat wrote.

"If the war and the attempted isolation of Russia continues, all will suffer and cooperation to address common problems such as environmental degradation, mass migration, and international financial crime will become impossible," he continued.

"Former Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin let the cat out of the bag when he observed that the purpose of supporting Ukraine was to weaken Russia. That policy has to end if there is to be peace in Europe in the future and it must be negotiated by the US and Russia," Matlock added.

On February 12, Putin and Trump spoke over the phone. The Kremlin said the two leaders had agreed to continue personal communication and even hold an in-person meeting.