[HIGHLIGHTS] Ushakov: Russia and the United States occasionally continue contacts through diplomatic channels

Assistant to the President of Russia Yuri Ushakov made the comments in an interview on TV channel "Russia 1" He said there are diplomatic contacts between the Russian Foreign Ministry and the American embassy, as well as between the State Department and the Russian embassy in the U.S. "Exchanges are discussed through special channels, also from time to time," he said.

Earlier, the White House said that the United States is exploring various options for the return of fellow citizens Paul Whelan and Evan Hershkovich who are in prison.