President Trump said it was a "good conversation" but noted the Russian leader had vowed "very strongly" during the call to respond to Ukraine's Sunday drone strikes on air bases in Russia.
Soviet leader Josef Stalin's legacy includes mass purges and executions. Statues of him in Russia came down decades ago, but in recent years new statues have cropped up, including one this week.
Celebrations included a massive military parade in Moscow's Red Square, where Russian President Vladimir Putin hosted several foreign leaders, including the presidents of China and Brazil.
Trump calls on Putin to stop attacks as Ukrainian military says Russia launched at least 215 drones and missiles at Ukraine, most aimed at the capital.
President Trump has said he wants to broker an end to Russia's war in Ukraine. This was his second call with Russian President Vladimir Putin on the issue.
European leaders were hopeful they could work with the Trump administration on the Ukraine war and other issues. But comments last week by several U.S. officials have poured cold water on such hopes.
After several days of rapid advances in western Russia, the Ukrainian military offensive has slowed. Russia is sending reinforcements to the area, but has not yet launched a major counterattack.
As Russia's leader visits North Korea, Johns Hopkins professor Sergey Radchenko offers insights into the fascinating history of twists and turns in relations between Moscow and Pyongyang.
Russia's Defense Ministry says Wagner mercenaries are marching on Moscow. Wagner head Yevgeny Prigozhin has been formally charged with "inciting an armed revolt" by Russia's Federal Security Bureau.
