Washington DC | Special counsel Robert S Mueller III explicitly did not exonerate President Donald Trump of allegations that he tried to obstruct the Russia investigation, ensuring the debate will continue into the president's conduct.

"If we had confidence after a thorough investigation of the facts that the President clearly did not commit obstruction of justice, we would so state," Mr Mueller wrote in his report, which the Justice Department released Thursday morning. "Based on the facts and the applicable legal standards, we are unable to reach that judgment."

MCT