Trump to challenge Putin’s ‘malign activities’

DONALD TRUMP is to discuss Russia’s “malign” behaviour at Nato next week and challenge Vladimir Putin over election meddling, say senior US officials.

The hardline stance was outlined during a briefing ahead of the US president’s trip to Europe, which includes a meeting with Russia’s president, whose attempts to “divide” Western democracies will be a major talking point among world leaders at the Nato gathering.

At the Putin summit, Mr Trump is expected to raise Russia’s interference through social media in the 2016 presidential election, despite having previously cast doubt on it. This will be welcomed by EU leaders, including Theresa May, the Prime Minister, who will want to present a united front against Russia when they meet.

Kay Bailey Hutchison, US ambassador to Nato, said a message of “strength and unity” would be on display. Among the “major threats” facing Nato, she said, were Russia’s “malign activities”.