BP Ceo to meet Russian President

According to The Financial Times, the trip, which is yet to be finalised, is aimed at restoring confidence in Russia - one of BP's most lucrative areas of operation - that the company is able to withstand the cost of America's worst environmental disaster.

The move comes after Mr Hayward was pilloried in the US for spending a day sailing despite mounting anger that he is not doing enough to control the leaking well.

The White House led a barrage of criticism of Tony Hayward's decision to spend time relaxing on the Isle of Wight at the JP Morgan Asset Management Round the Island Race.

President Obama's chief of staff said he had committed yet another in a "long line of PR gaffes" by attending the race.

Rahm Emanuel mocked Hayward's statement on Facebook that he wished the crisis were over so he could have his life back.

Shadow foreign secretary David Miliband said Tony Hayward's position did not mean he should not be able to spend a day with his son, but stopped short of criticising the White House.

Meanwhile crews continued to drill two relief wells which are 5,000 feet plus below the sea floor.

Work began in May and is expected to go on until August.

Company officials insisted Hayward is still in charge of the operation to control the spill amid confusion over his role. But on Friday, chairman Carl-Henric Svanberg said Hayward had been relieved of day-to-day control of the spill and that BP managing director Bob Dudley would take over.