Putin stresses Russia’s continued desire to improve relations with US

Moscow (The Uttam Hindu): Russian President Vladimir Putin has emphasized that Russia has not lost its desire to improve relations with the United States. In an interview on Sunday Putin told Pavel Zarubin of Russia’s state TV and radio company VGTRK that everything can be done if there is mutual will. “We have never lost this desire,” he said, responding to questions about the prospects of normalizing Russia-US relations. Putin further clarified that Russia is ready to establish relations with other countries but only in ways that align with Russia’s national interests. "If we establish relations with someone we will do so only based on the interests of the Russian state" he stated.

He also reflected on historical changes in international relations citing the aftermath of the Crimea War (1853-1856), when Russia faced restrictions but gradually regained its strength and rights in the Black Sea. He quoted a letter from Russian Foreign Minister Alexander Gorchakov which read, "Russia is not angry. Russia is concentrating." However despite the positive rhetoric tensions between the two nations remain high. Just last week Russia issued a warning to its citizens advising them against traveling to the US and other western countries citing concerns that they could be targeted by authorities. Russian officials have described US-Russia relations as being "on the verge of rupture," further indicating the complexity of diplomatic relations.