President Barack Obama

Barack Obama will soon be embarking on his first official visit to Russia. As Russia still retains a vast nuclear weapons arsenal, it is a priority for the Obama administration to improve relations with the Russian Federation.

During the Bush administration, U.S.-Russia relations were allowed to deteriorate. Barack Obama hopes to reverse direction on Russia, and enhance ties with the Russian Federation. A new agreement on limiting nuclear arms will be sought. Obama will also seek the cooperation of the Russian government on matters involving Iran and North Korea.

The forthcoming trip by Barack Obama to Russia will be historic. President Obama may in fact help thaw the cold state of relations with Moscow.