The U.S. President Donald Trump has once again defied his critics and the so called neo-conservatives in the U.S. Congress as he defended his ‘getting along with Russia’ policy during a joint press conference after meeting with President Niinistö of Finland.

In response to a Finnish journalist’s question, if he considers Russia as a threat, Trump sidestepped and said, “Well, I consider many countries as a security threat, unfortunately, when you look at what’s going on in the world today.”

In response to another question from a different reporter, President Trump said, “I hope that we do have good relations with Russia. I say it loud and clear, I've been saying it for years: I think it's a good thing if we have great relationships, or at least good relationships with Russia. That's very important, and I believe someday that will happen. It's a big country, it's a nuclear country, it's a country that we should get along with, and I think we will eventually get along with Russia…….. Finland is doing fine with Russia, and I hope that the United States will someday be able to have a very good relationship with Russia also. I think that's very good for world peace and for other things.”

Despite his pledge to improve relations with Russia, the ties have not significantly improved under his administration. One of the reasons for that has been Congress, which almost unanimously imposed new sanctions on Russia and curtailed President’s power to unilaterally remove Russia sanctions. Trump administration has also imposed sanctions on Russia in response to its dealing with North Korea. The administration has also failed to return two diplomatic compounds in the United States under Russian command which were seized during Obama administration. Russia has finally retaliated against the seizure and expelled around 755 diplomats.