There is no cold war between Russia and USA, Obama’s adviser says

Chief adviser to US President Barack Obama on Russia in the White House staff, Celeste Wallander, said that there is no cold war between the United States and Russia, but that the two countries are going through a period of very complex relationships.

"Russia is an important country. So far, Russia has been a partner to us, and hopefully will continue to be a partner in relation to such global priorities as nuclear non-proliferation, preventing the growth of radicalism and extremism in the Middle East, assisting  the international community in the complete elimination of the threat of extremism," Wallander is quoted by TASS. "But Russia - this is a challenge as well. Because the current foreign policy of Russia, its actions, especially in Ukraine, in our view, pose a threat to those necessary conditions of security that have made Europe a region where nations and peoples can live in peace and prosperity, helping to strengthen the security of the whole world."

"There is no cold war between us. The Cold War was characterized by a set of specific circumstances. Now we have a period of very difficult relations," she said. Wallander does not see the threat of an armed conflict between the US and Russia. "Now I do not see much of a threat, or even substantial risk of a "hot" war between the United States and Russia," the presidential adviser said.

Wallander denies that US policy is aimed at deterring Russia. "Our policy is not a policy of containment," she said. "The purpose of our policy is to leave the door open for Russia, so that it can return to the ranks of the world community as a constructive member, come back to path of integration, constructive engagement, promoting the consolidation of global security and solutions to global problems. And also to support our allies and partners."

Explaining the purpose of the sanctions that the US has imposed against Russia, Wallander said that "their aim is to respond directly to Russia's actions in Ukraine."

The advisor to President Obama also denies that the purpose of the United States is regime change in Russia, claiming that there is no evidence that would confirm this. According to her, "the terms of the sanctions were linked specifically to the actions" of Russia.