Speeches

Obama Turns the Page With Russia

Countries are not “destined to be antagonists.”

He may have lacked a nifty button, but President Obama tried to reset relations with Russia on Tuesday as he does best: with a speech. "Progress must be shared,” Obama said in Moscow, adding “America wants a strong, peaceful and prosperous Russia” and the countries are not “destined to be antagonists.” The speech was sprinkled with his trademarks—“by no means is America perfect,” he said at one point, and he mentioned his own unique background. Still, did Russians pay attention? It was not broadcast on any of the main Russian television channels or radio stations. Earlier in the day, Obama had a two-hour private breakfast with Prime Minister Vladimir Putin.