Putin hopes for the complete restoration of relations between Russia and the United States
Russian President Vladimir Putin is hopeful for the total restoration of relations between Moscow and Washington in entirety.
"U.S.-Russian relations have greatly deteriorated over the past five years. Of course, they need to be restored. It is in the interests of both the Russian and American people. We have heard the opinion of President Trump on this matter. We hope that these relations will be restored in full and on all fronts. However this depends not only on us, but also on the Americans," Putin said on February 10th at a joint press conference with Slovenian President Borut Pahor in Moscow.
U.S. President Donald Trump has stressed that his goal in agreements with Russia is first and foremost to achieve economic development for the United States; and in the case that such development does not materialize, he will be tougher towards Russia than his rival in the 2016 U.S. presidential election, former Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton.
Before the elections, Trump repeatedly criticized former U.S. president Barack Obama for his weakness in addressing Russia, as well as Putin personally. He also spoke favorably about the Russian president.
On the issue of NATO, Trump insists that member-states must fulfill the obligations of the Alliance, and reach defense spending levels equal to at least 2% of GDP. At present, only a few NATO countries adhere to this commitment.