Most likely to meet Putin in Europe next month: Trump
US President Donald Trump today said he is "most likely" to hold a summit meeting with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin in Europe next month. Trump is scheduled to attend the July 11-12 North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) summit in Brussels. Besides, he is likely to visit London for talks with British Prime Minister Theresa May on that trip. Here's more.
Straight from the horse's mouth
"Getting along with Russia, China, and with everybody is a very good thing. It's good for us, it's good for everybody. So, we'll probably be meeting sometime around my trip to Europe," Trump said during a joint media appearance with Polish President Rebelo De Sousa.
Trump, Putin have met twice this year
The likelihood of a Trump-Putin summit comes on the back of the US National Security Advisor John Bolton's Moscow visit. The US President said he would know about the date and venue of his maiden summit meeting with Putin later in the day. The two leaders have met twice last year on the sidelines of the international summits.
Every place I've been, we've had great meetings: Trump
Trump said he and Putin will talk about Syria, Ukraine, and many other subjects. "You never know about meetings, what happens. But I think a lot of good things can come with meetings with people. We had great meetings with President Xi of China. Every place I've been, we have had great meetings. So maybe something positive will come out of it," he said.
Bolton says wide-range of issues will be discussed with Russia
Earlier in Moscow, Bolton told reporters that it is in the US's national interest to have a meeting with Putin. "Despite all the political noise, President Trump has decided it's in the interests of the US to talk to Russian President Putin. There is a wide range of issues we can work constructively on despite the differences between us," he said.
No nexus between Russia and the Trump campaign: Bolton
Bolton dismissed the allegations that the meeting proves some nexus between Russia and the Trump campaign. "I think this is nonsense. He (Trump) is pursuing US foreign policy in the national interest," he said.
Pompeo says Trump will talk about Russian meddling in US-elections
Bolton said the meeting would be preceded by a meeting between the Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov. Pompeo told lawmakers that at a Congressional meeting that Trump would raise the issue of Russian meddling in US-elections. "I am confident when President meets with Putin, he will make clear that meddling in our elections is completely unacceptable," Pompeo said.
