The U.S. Department of defense: the influence of Russia and its interaction with the West is compatible
Alexei Bogdanov. Zam. Minister of defense for intelligence Michael Vickers said on Wednesday that the Russian leadership can combine Russia's influence on neighboring countries and "satisfactory" interaction with the West.
" The great powers have the ability to do unexpected things. I think that President Putin certainly has a strategic vision to strengthen the power of Russia and strengthening influence in the States around it. But I also believe that he is a pragmatist, who also wants a satisfactory economic ties with the West, " Vickers said, speaking at the Atlantic Council of the U.S. capital.
along with this, according to him, the US does not waive sanctions against Russia in connection with its position in Ukraine. Deputy head of the Pentagon has described these punishments as a " significant economic pressure on the Russian Federation. According to him, in US, the hope that the punishment and the decline in global oil prices will cause "lasting change" policy of Russia.
The US, EU and several other countries did not recognize the annexation of Crimea to Russia, accused Moscow of interfering in the conflict in the South-East of Ukraine and imposed punishment. Russia informs that she is not a party to domestic conflict and, on the contrary, contributes to its settlement.