Gave up nothing, talked about benefits for both countries: Trump on Putin meet

United States President Donald Trump said on Monday that he “gave up nothing” at last week’s private meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin but remained elusive about their conversation as fellow Republicans and other critics questioned any potential deals.

United States President Donald Trump said on Monday that he “gave up nothing” at last week’s private meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin but remained elusive about their conversation as fellow Republicans and other critics questioned any potential deals.

Following the summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Helsinki, US President Donald Trump had previously said that they discussed a range of issues, including North Korea, Middle East and cyber attacks, but has not given any details. (AP/File Photo)

Following the two leaders’ summit in Helsinki, Trump previously said they discussed a range of issues, including efforts to denuclearise North Korea, peace efforts in the Middle East and cyber attacks but has not given any details.

Russian officials have said Putin made concrete proposals to Trump during their one-on-one talk regarding the conflict in Ukraine. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo also said the two discussed the Syrian crisis.

But top US intelligence officials and members of Congress have said they do not know what was discussed and have not been briefed. “I gave up NOTHING, we merely talked about future benefits for both countries,” Trump tweeted.

Despite the fierce criticism, Trump has extended an invitation for Putin to visit Washington for a second meeting this autumn.