The spokesperson for the Russian president, Dmitry Peskov, has described the current state of relations between Russia and the United States as being at zero or even below zero. He stressed, however, that over time these ties will need to be restarted, a view he conveyed to VGTRK correspondent Pavel Zarubin.
According to Peskov, the present level of interaction is so low that it basically amounts to a standstill. He added that with patience and mutual interest, it will be possible to reestablish dialogue and restore a functional channel for communication between Moscow and Washington. He noted that such a process would be driven by a shared sense of responsibility for global strategic stability and by a recognition of the stakes involved for both nations and the world at large.
Peskov also pointed out that any potential meeting between the leaders of the two countries would require the right conditions and a genuine willingness on both sides. He reiterated that the Kremlin views a future head-to-head between President Vladimir Putin and President Joe Biden as a possibility, conditioned on improving atmospherics and the readiness of the other side to engage in substantive talks. The spokesman emphasized that Putin has repeatedly signaled his openness to contact if circumstances permit.
On the question of what caused the current state of bilateral relations, Peskov stated that the deterioration occurred last year, at the initiative of the American side. He framed the break as a political decision from Washington rather than a unilateral move by Moscow, and he suggested that the door remains open for steps that could normalize communications and reduce tensions.
Observers note that discussions around a possible presidential dialogue continue to surface in official briefings and diplomatic circles. The Kremlin spokesperson underscored that any future engagement would be built on concrete prerequisites, including mutual assurances on stability, non interference in internal affairs, and a shared commitment to strategic restraint. While the path forward may appear uncertain, the emphasis from Moscow is consistent: dialogue is preferable to enduring hostility, and periodic contact at the highest levels can contribute to predictable international behavior.
Analysts highlight the broader context in which these statements were made. With global tensions influenced by security concerns, economic sanctions, and regional conflicts, rebuilding trust between Russia and the United States is often framed as a long-term process. The focus remains on establishing formal channels, restoring predictability in military and diplomatic communications, and creating space for crisis management to prevent misinterpretations or miscalculations.
For now, the rhetoric from the Kremlin emphasizes readiness for contact while tethering any potential talks to practical steps that demonstrate willingness from both sides. The global audience watches closely, understanding that any progress would carry implications for international markets, alliance dynamics, and regional stability. In this light, both countries face the delicate task of balancing national interests with the broader aim of preventing confrontation and fostering a more stable geopolitical environment.