In the US, former FBI chief Robert Mueller was appointed special counsel with sweeping powers to oversee an inquiry into Russia's alleged meddling in the election and any Trump campaign ties. <br/><br/>Deputy Attorney General said, it was in the public interest to have an outsider and the appointment was widely endorsed by politicians from both sides. <br/><br/>In a tweet President Donald Trump described the situation as the single greatest witch hunt of a politician in American history. He also questioned why his election opponent Hillary Clinton and his predecessor President Barack Obama had not been investigated.<br/><br/>Trump has denied any links to Moscow, but the appointment of a special counsel dramatically raises the stakes in a crisis threatening to paralyze his presidency.

In United States, former FBI Chief Robert Mueller has been named as a special prosecutor to oversee a probe into Russia's alleged interference in the US election. Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein said it was in the public interest to bring an outsider in to oversee the investigation. <br/><br/>Calls for a special prosecutor have mounted since President Donald Trump fired the FBI Director last week. Mr Mueller is a former prosecutor who served as FBI chief from 2001 to 2013. The FBI investigation is also looking into potential links between Mr Trump's campaign team and Russia.