We begin in Helsinki, where the Trump-Putin summit is taking place. Russia has once again denied its influence in the US presidential elections in 2016. This is coming just days after 12 Russians were indicted in the election-meddling investigation. CGTN's Guy Henderson reports.

When the Russian president's plane touched down late his negotiating partner wasn't going to be kept waiting. Donald Trump's motorcade held off too: rolling up to Helsinki's presidential palace even later. It was an early departure from a summit script that was largely unwritten anyway. And when the American and Russian leaders came face to face, the U.S. president went for flattery despite intense pressure to talk tough. And he gave only vague clues about coming talks without any official agenda.

DONALD TRUMP US PRESIDENT "We're gonna talk about trade, military, missiles, we're gonna talk about China a little bit, our mutual friend president Xi."

When the two men emerged after meeting, it was to herald an unlikely reset.

DONALD TRUMP US PRESIDENT "The relationship with Russia has never been worse than it is now - it changed about four hours ago."

On major points of contention there were - seemingly - few significant concessions.

VLADIMIR PUTIN RUSSIAN PRESIDENT "Thanks to the Iranian nuclear deal, Iran became the most controlled country in the world - it submitted to the control of the IAEA. It effectively ensures the exclusively peaceful nature of the Iranian nuclear program."

On one topic though, they joined forces - as the questions kept coming about allegations one helped the other, win an election.

"Would you now, with the whole watching, tell president Putin: would you denounce what happened in 2016 - would you warn him never to do it again?"

DONALD TRUMP US PRESIDENT "I have great confidence in my intelligence people but I will tell you that president Putin was extremely strong and powerful in his denial today."

Putin refused to extradite 12 Russians indicted in the U.S. last week. But Trump warmed to another suggestion.

VLADIMIR PUTIN RUSSIAN PRESIDENT "Special Counsel Muller can send an official request to us so that we would interrogate those individuals who he believes are privy to some crimes."

And with that, both headed home. With the promise of regular meetings in future.

GUY HENDERSON HELSINKI "Part of this summit took place one-on-one without note-takers: so who knows what happened behind closed doors. But there is no suggestion of the kind of grand bargain some of America's allies had feared. Hopes were expressed of a reset in ties. At a time when many in Europe - and in the United States - are calling for Moscow to be held to account. GH, CGTN, Helsinki."