Obama hails Russian talents and traditions

U.S. President Barack Obama said in an interview with CBS that Russia was a country with engineering talents and traditions capable of turning it into a world superpower. Obama noted that he had direct and firm relations with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Obama ruled out military confrontation between Russia and the U.S. He guaranteed allies, for example Estonia, that NATO will protect its members.

Concerning Ukraine, the U.S. leader warned that Russia was violating international law, threatening progress achieved in building a peaceful and prosperous Europe after WWII. Obama reminded that the U.S. had helped Ukraine reach an agreement on cheap Russian gas purchases and a ceasefire in Donbass.