Russia-US ties show signs of thaw

Strained ties between the US and Russia could be warming after Moscow welcomed what it called a strong signal on cooperation from Washington.

The two sides have met for the first time since the new US administration took office, with talks between US Vice-President Joe Biden and Russian deputy prime minister Sergei Ivanov on the sidelines of a security conference in Munich. “The US administration has sent a very strong signal, and that signal has been heard,” said Ivanov. “They’re saying they are ready to resume US-Russian dialogue on all issues of common interest, and that is clear to both parties.” The comments come in the wake of an invitation by Biden on Saturday to start afresh in its relations with Russia and the rest of the world: “The last few years have seen a dangerous drift in relations between Russia and the members of our alliance. It’s time, to paraphrase President Obama, it’s time to press the reset button,” he said. The US sharply condemned Russia over its war with Georgia last year and Washington’s plans to deploy parts of a missile shield in the Czech Republic and Poland infuriated Moscow. The Kremlin was also angered by US ambitions to bring Georgia and Ukraine into NATO.More about: Russia, USA

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