ussian President Vladimir Putin on Friday voiced optimism about Russia-US ties, saying there was “light at the end of the tunnel” in relations that have hit their lowest point in years, as the two sides explore cooperation on projects in the Arctic and Alaska. “As for our relations with the United States, they are at an extremely low level. I have said this many times.
“However, there is a light at the end of the tunnel now that President (Donald) Trump has come to power,” Putin said in televised remarks during a meeting with nuclear industry workers in the town of Sarov, the birthplace of the Soviet atomic programme.
Relations between Moscow and Washington have sharply deteriorated over issues ranging from the Ukraine conflict, NATO’s eastward expansion, and sanctions against Russia.
Putin said Russia and the US are discussing the possibility of working together in the Arctic and Alaska. “We are discussing with our American partners the possibility of working together in this field, not only in our Arctic zone but also in Alaska,” he said.
Earlier, Putin had endorsed President Trump’s claim after the Alaska Summit on Aug 15 that the Ukraine war would not have started if he had been in the White House.