HELSINKI: Russian President Vladimir Putin's spokesman says he hopes the summit with US President Donald Trump is a "baby step" toward fixing exceptionally bad US-Russian relations.
Ahead of today's meeting, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told broadcaster RT that the men had no strict agenda but recognize their "special responsibility" for global stability.
He said European countries shouldn't be worried about a possible U.S.-Russian rapprochement or decisions about Europe made "over the heads of Europeans.
Peskov said the Russian leader respects Trump's "America first" stance because Putin puts Russia first, but said the only way to make progress at the summit is if both sides are open to finding areas of mutual benefit.
Russian officials say Putin is expected to reiterate denials of meddling in the 2016 US presidential campaign.