Putin hopes for improved U.S. ties despite Ukraine crisis fallout

USPA News - Russian President Vladimir Putin wrote in a message to U.S. President Barack Obama that he hopes the relationship between the two countries will continue to thrive despite recent events in Ukraine that led the United States to impose sanctions against Russia. Putin made the remarks in a telegram to Obama on the occasion of Fourth of July, which commemorates the U.S. declaration of independence from the Kingdom of Great Britain.

Leaders of countries traditionally send out messages of congratulations to mark each other`s national holidays. "Mr. Putin expressed that he hopes that the relations between the two countries, which have a rich history, will continue to thrive on a pragmatic and equal basis despite the current difficulties and differences," the Kremlin said in a statement. The text of Putin`s telegram to Obama was not released. "The president also said that Russia and the United States are both countries bearing special responsibility for ensuring international stability and security and should therefore cooperate, not just in the interest of their own people, but also in the interest of the entire world," the Kremlin added. Putin also noted the importance of building bilateral relations "based on mutual respect and genuine consideration" of each other`s interests, the statement added. Relations between the United States and Russia have significantly deteriorated since Crimea, which is internationally recognized as an autonomous republic in Ukraine, was annexed by the Russian Federation after residents voted to join Russia in a disputed referendum. Russia has received intense criticism from much of the international community for its role in the ongoing crisis in Ukraine.