In the aftermath of the votes to impose further sanctions on Russia , some in Europe expressed concern that rather than forcing the Kremlin to fall in line, sanctions could create further tensions across the continent and especially in Eastern Europe. The immediate backdrop for Pence's visit is the continuing controversy over Russia and the Trump campaign team. But his proposed repositioning of relations with Russia now looks for the time being to have been put on ice. As Pence prepares for his trip to reassure America's allies, Trump now finds himself in a big bind over Russia. Yet the legacy of his warm rhetoric toward Moscow has made his traditional allies in Eastern Europe understandably jumpy.

Source: CNN July 29, 2017 00:00 UTC