"It was bad between US and Russia, but that's all changed"

"It was bad between US and Russia, but that's all changed"

Trump pointed out that relations between the two countries have never been worse, but that "everything has changed" after the talks.

The news conference of the two presidents was held after the talks and the working lunch of US and Russian delegations in Helsinki, Finnish state television reported. Putin stressed that he did not agree with Trump during on all issues the talks and added that they also discussed Syria.

"We are satisfied with the talks. Clearly, there have been some challenges, I hope we understand each other better now," the Russian president said.

One of the topics was Russia's alleged meddling in the US presidential election in 2016, Putin said, and reiterated that Russia never intervened and would never interfere.

According to the Russian president, new problems are connected with terrorism and the global financial situation.

"As a major nuclear power, we have special responsibility when it comes to international security. I consider it important, as we discussed, to get the dialogue on strategic stability and the non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction on track. We made a note with a number of concrete proposals on this matter available to our American colleagues," Putin said, noting that the Cold War is "long over."

According to reports, apart from Putin and Trump, all members of the two countries' delegations, and Trump's wife were present at the news conference.

Donald Trump told reporters that a constructive dialogue with Russia opens a new path to peace.

Trump said that the meeting was the beginning of a long process, along with a strong dialogue with Russia.

"Our relationship has never been worse than it is now. However, that changed as of about four hours ago. I really believe that. Nothing would be easier politically than to refuse to meet, to refuse to engage, but that would not accomplish anything," he said.

"I called Putin a competitor, and a good competitor he is. And I think the word 'competitor' is a compliment," Trump said, stressing that he prefers diplomacy and engagement to conflict and hostility.

He stressed that ways should be found for cooperation in order to share common problems.

Speaking about relations with Russia, he said that they have changed and that both countries are responsible for the current status of bilateral relations.

He also said that he had talked with Putin about alleged interference in the US election.

According to him, the US investigation into Russian interference is a "disaster" for the United States, Reuters reported.

"I easily defeated Hilary Clinton," Trump said, adding that there was no collusion.

He also believes that Putin and Russia want to end the problem concerning the prohibition of nuclear weapons.