Speaking from WH
- Says US has never been in a worse relationship with Russia, but it got better and may get better in future
- Engaging with Putin better than hostility
- Says he is working hard with US allies
- He has full faith and support for American intelligence agencies
- Russian actions had no impact on outcome of elections, except US intelligence community's conclusion that Russian meddling took place
- He meant to say in Helsinki that he saw no reason why it would not be Russia that interfered in elections
- His administration will move aggressively to repel any efforts to interfere in 2018 election
- Made progress on conflicts with Putin during private meeting, discussed Middle East conflict
- Discussed Syria, Iran nuclear ambitions during a meeting with Putin
- Also discussed Israeli security with
- He hopes that at some point Iran will call us and maybe we will make a new deal or maybe not
- Discuss North Korea and Helsinki meeting with Putin, said there is no need to rush
- Said sanctions on Russia will remain in place
- Reiterates there was no conclusion with Russia
- He discussed reducing nuclear weapons worldwide
He meant to say "I don't see any reason why it wouldn't be Russia" - referring to meddling in the US election. In real time at the press conference, he said " I don't see any reason why it would be Russia"....
