Russian president Vladimir Putin has spoken with US president Donald Trump to thank him for information that helped Russia foil terrorist attacks over the new year holidays, the Kremlin said.

Mr Putin thanked Mr Trump “for information transmitted through the special services that helped prevent the completion of terrorist acts in Russia”, the Kremlin said in a brief statement posted on its website.

Based on the US information, the Russian security forces detained two Russians suspected of preparing to carry out terrorist acts in St Petersburg during the upcoming holiday, state news agency Tass reported, citing the Federal Security Service.

The security service said it obtained the information from its “American partners”. It said it seized material from the suspects that confirms they were preparing terrorist acts, with no further details.

There was no immediate comment from the White House.