Trump's lawyers preparing answers to Mueller's questions

US President Donald Trump's legal team is preparing answers to written questions provided by Special Counsel Robert Mueller in connection to the ongoing Russia probe, according to informed sources.

The move represents a major development after months of negotiations and signals that the Mueller investigation could be entering a final phase with regard to the President, the sources told CNN on Thursday.

The questions are focused on matters related to the investigation of possible collusion between Trump associates and Russians seeking to meddle in the 2016 election, they said.

Trump's lawyers are preparing written responses, in part relying on documents previously provided to Mueller.

"We are in continuing discussions with the Special Counsel and we do not comment on those discussions," said Trump's attorney Jay Sekulow.

Asked on Thursday about answering Mueller's questions, Trump again signalled his willingness to sit down for an interview with the Special Counsel or provide written responses -- the option much preferred by his attorneys.

"It seems ridiculous that I'd have to do it when everybody says there's no collusion, but I'll do what is necessary to get it over with," Trump told Fox News.

Despite Trump's insistence to the contrary, the possibility of collusion remains an open question in the ongoing investigation led by Mueller.

--IANS

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