Donald Trump answered questions from reporters after a presidential executive order signing ceremony in the Oval Office and commented on the possibility of a Russian attack on NATO territory.
The U.S. president said he had held productive talks with Vladimir Putin and declared that he believed Russia would not attack NATO territory.
Sanctions against Moscow depend on the circumstances
Trump also addressed the latest talks between Russia and Iran on the nuclear program. Asked whether Moscow would face sanctions because of the talks, he said the decision would depend on the circumstances and added that they would closely monitor the process.
Question about Chinese banks
Asked why sanctions had not been imposed on Chinese banks said to have close ties with Iran, Trump asked how they knew he had not imposed sanctions. The U.S. president said he was not required to disclose everything he did to the public.
Claim of Ratcliffe's visit to Russia
It had been alleged that CIA Director John Ratcliffe had made a secret visit to Russia, aimed at warning Russian officials against attacks on NATO member states and the Baltic countries.
U.S. officials had claimed that the visit took place after recent assessments by U.S. intelligence that Vladimir Putin could test NATO's resolve by attacking an allied country within a few years.