U.S. President Donald Trump sat down with Vladimir Putin for a long-awaited summit on Monday saying he wanted good relations with Russia, after blaming Washington's own past "foolishness and stupidity" for the countries' hostile ties.
"I've been saying, and I'm sure you've heard over the years...that getting along with Russia is a good thing not a bad thing," Trump said, seated next to Putin at the start of talks in an ornate presidential palace in neutral Finland.
US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin during their meeting in Finland - AFP
People raise slogans against Donald Trump in Helsinki - AFP
Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin greet during their meeting - Reuters
Critics of Donald Trump protest in Helsinki - Reuters
Supporters of Donald Trump hold the US and Russian flag in Helsinki - Reuters
