Obama Sends Letter to Putin in Preparation for G8 Summit

President Barack Obama has stepped up overtures for cooperation with Russia as he sent a hand-delivered message to Russian President Vladimir Putin. The letter was presented by Obama’s National Security Adviser, Tom Donilon, when he met with Putin and other officials. This was the latest effort to improve US-Russian relations which have deteriorated in the past few months. Donilon’s visit was in preparation for the G8 or Group of Eight Summit in Northern Ireland this June where Obama and Putin would have separate meetings of their own. Additionally, Obama will meet with Putin at the G20 summit in September, which will be held in Russia.

Deteriorating US-Russian relations

The US and Russia did not see eye-to-eye on issues concerning US-led missile defense plans, the Syrian civil war as well as Russia’s handling of dissent. There have been reciprocal retaliation on both sides, particularly with the US sanction of Russian officials accused of human rights violations. The U.S. recently released a list of the 18 sanctioned Russian officials. This led Moscow to ban the adoption of Russian children by U.S. citizens, and they also released a list of 18 Americans implicated in the adoptions. The U.S. had also passed a law named after Sergei Magnitsky, a Russian lawyer who died in prison after he was arrested by Russian police. Magnitsky had accused Russian police officials of stealing tax rebates amounting to $230 million. The new law prohibits Russian police officials from entering the United States. It also imposed banking sanctions against them.

Putin’s control of Russia

Putin has built his political career on an anti-U.S. stance. His rhetoric against the Americans was particularly strong during the elections last March where he won his third (non-consecutive) term of office as President of the Russian Federation. He has been the head of Russia, either solely or in tandem, from December 1999 when he stepped in as Acting President at the time Boris Yeltsin resigned as President. Although Putin has had high popularity scores, there have been allegations of corruption and a crackdown on political dissent.

Immediately after the May 2012 elections, Russia’s political opposition have been criticizing Putin regarding the handling of the election. There were also allegations that the new laws introduced curtailed freedom of expression and assembly. In response to this, German lawmakers signed a resolution urging German Chancellor Angela Merkel to press Putin to respect human rights during their scheduled talks over the summer. Before the summit, the German Bundestag raised issues of political suppression within Russia which was tantamount to dictatorial government due to Putin’s strong arm tactics.

Positive signs To Obama’s overtures

The Russians have shown positive signs to Obama’s letter. Uri Ushakov, Putin’s foreign affairs adviser was quoted as saying that the letter was constructive and had specific proposals towards arms control. It seemed that the Russians were also interested in the economic cooperation proposals. Ushakov added that Putin was in support of the initiative from Washington. During the meeting, Donilon also raised the issue about North Korea. Due to the strong influence of Russia, the U.S. has asked for help in reducing tensions with North Korea. Ushakov reported that they were ready for active cooperation regarding the North Korean government.