Western leaders and Russian President Vladimir Putin have struck a softer tone after was re-elected to a fourth term on Sunday.<br /> German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Emmanuel Macron both wished Putin success. <br />Merkel also called on her Russian counterpart to work for solutions to international issues, without specifying which ones. <br />But, Macron reiterated his concerns about Russia's involvement in Syria and also called on Moscow to clarify its role in the recent poisoning of a Russian ex-spy in England.<br />The White House said there was currently no congratulatory call scheduled between Putin and President Trump.<br /> After his election victory, Putin said he was open to dialogue with other countries.<br />He added that he would cut defense spending to avoid an arms race and focus on the domestic economy. <br />
