Donald Trump '100% behind NATO' after Theresa May talks

Donald Trump and Theresa May

By Faisal Islam, Political Editor, at the White House

Theresa May was able to declare Donald Trump "100% behind NATO" during his first meeting with a foreign leader since becoming President last week.

The Prime Minister's team are delighted their decision to fully engage with the new President has led to concrete results, reining in some of his radical rhetoric that had troubled many Western allies.

In a White House news conference with the Prime Minister, the President also appeared to distance US policy from his own view that "torture works", saying that he would be guided by his new defence secretary James Mattis.

The former General is against the reintroduction of torture.

President Trump did, however, leave open the possibility that he will imminently lift some sanctions on Russia for its actions in Ukraine. He is due to have a call with President Vladimir Putin on Saturday.

"We will see what happens," said Mr Trump. "We look to have a great relationship with all countries, ideally. That won't necessarily happen, unfortunately - probably won't happen with many countries.

"But if we could have a relationship (with Russia) as we do with Prime Minister May… if we can have a great relationship with Russia and with China and with all countries, I am all for that."

Such a move on sanctions would end the international consensus behind the Minsk process to end conflict and return occupied and annexed Ukrainian territory.