Trump expected to sign Russia sanctions bill

President Donald Trump will sign a bill into law that would ramp up sanctions against Russia, the White House said Friday, ending speculation over whether he would veto the measure.

"President Donald J. Trump read early drafts of the bill and negotiated regarding critical elements of it," spokeswoman Sarah Huckabee Sanders said in a statement.

"He has now reviewed the final version and, based on its responsiveness to his negotiations, approves the bill and intends to sign it."

 The bill - which also includes measures targeting North Korea and Iran - is designed to restrict Mr Trump's ability to lift punitive measures on Moscow.

Mr Trump has the choice of vetoing the bill, but it would likely lead to a humiliating veto override. Alternatively he could, if Congress adjourns, issue a "pocket veto" by not signing the legislation within ten working days.