Is the New Cold War Thawing Before it Starts? Putin States He is “open to dialogue with US”
“Russian-US relations remain an important factor in orer to guarantee strategic stability and international security,” Russian Presidency
In December last year, the Russian Premier said he hopes of “normalizing” relations with Donald Trump. Unfortunately those hopes evaporated in the mist of several federal investigations into Moscow’s alleged intervention into U.S politics.
Tensions further rose when Washington pulled out of a Cold War-era nuclear weapons deal. Washington’s announcement of a pull out from the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty did not receive a warm welcome from Moscow. Vladimir Putin responded with announcement that Moscow would be developing new missiles.His recent statement however may pave the way for more stable US-Russia relations.
Mr. Vladmir Putin also extended wishes to other heads of state including Theresa May and Recep Tayyip Erdogan. In his message to May, Mr.Putin wished the British people “wellbeing and prosperity” in 2019.
2018 did not prove to be a a very promising year for UK-Russia diplomacy relations after the poisoning of former double agent Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia on UK soil.Fingers were pointed towards Moscow but any involvement was denied by them.
In his message to President Erdogan , Putin emphasized on the promising direction of relations between Moscow and Ankara. Both states are currently working together on the TurkStream gas pipeline after which Russia will build Turkey’s first nuclear power station.
“The Russian head of state confirmed that the joint forces of Moscow and Ankara will make a final decision on the fight against terrorism in Syria and the continuation of the process of political regulation,” the Kremlin stated.
After the US’ announcement of the withdrawal of it Troops from Syria.Russia and Turkey also agreed to “coordinate” their actions on the ground. Troops of both nations will be coordinating the return of refugees and the creation of a “demilitarized zone” in Idlib, the last stronghold of rebels in Syria.
