Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin will hold their first summit in Helsinki on July 16, a highly awaited meeting that comes as relations between Moscow and the west have fallen to levels not seen since the Cold War.

The meeting between the US and Russian presidents has raised hopes in both administrations for some conciliation between the two nations. But it will anger US allies who want Washington to maintain a tough stance towards Mr Putin. Mr Trump angered allies earlier this month when he called for Russia to be readmitted to the G7 ahead of a confrontational summit in Canada.

The meeting with Mr Putin comes as Robert Mueller, the special counsel, continues to investigate whether Russia colluded with the Trump campaign. Mr Trump has faced persistent scrutiny about his stance towards Russia because of his unwillingness to criticise the Kremlin over its alleged interference in the 2016 presidential campaign.