There is an ongoing investigations on Russian involvement to tamper the American Presidential elections.
How did the case unfold?
The Controvesy - First signs of Russian complicity in hacking the emails of Hillary came when Mr. Trump began to speak of friendly relations with Russia.
The situation snowballed into a crisis post-election, and Mr.Trump faces charges of colluding with a foreign government to rig the election in his favour.
Notably, former Presidents Richard Nixon and Bill Clinton faced similar charges in the impeachment proceedings against them.
Investigation - The investigation began with the appointment of Robert Mueller, as Special Counsel by the Justice Department.
Also two Congressional committees were constituted for the same.
Evidence is mounting that Mr. Trump’s camp colluded with the Russians to gather information about Ms. Clinton.
The allegation is that Mr.Trump’s close aides met with several other Russians during the campaign trail.
Based on these initial leads, Mr.Trump’s campaign chairman, Mr. Paul Manafort became the first Republican to be accused.
What is the impact on bilateral ties?
As the Special Prosecutor closes in on the President, U.S.-Russia relations are on a downward spiral.
The U.S. sanctions against Russia, tensions in Syria & Korean Peninsula, and the stalemate over Ukraine are problems that defy solutions.
Mr.Putin recently deplored what he termed an “unprecedented” anti-Russia campaign in the U.S.
As Russian diplomatic facilities were closed and Russia media has been stifled by US authorities, Putin has promised a symmetrical counter response.
How does the future look?
Russia probably did meddled in the U.S. elections.
But even if the Mueller investigation throws up evidence, the President might turn out to be not guilty.
As it is highly improbable to pin the investigations directly down till the president, an impeachment is not likely on this account.
But the shadow such evidence casts on elections in the U.S. and U.S.-Russia relations will be dark and deep.
