The US Vice President Mike Pence says the United States will hold Russia accountable for its actions.

It follows controversy over links between the Trump administration and Moscow.

He has also told an international conference in Munich that the US is "unwavering" in its support for the NATO.

President Donald Trump has been highly critical of the organisation, and wants America's partners to pay more towards the military alliance.

But this morning, Mike Pence had a message of support for the United States' allies:

Speaking earlier in Munich, the German Chancellor Angela Merkel said the European Union is in a "very difficult situation" due to Brexit.

Ms Merkel has described the decision as regrettable and throws up big challenges for the EU: