Barack Obama on Russia

Barack Obama entered office intending to improve relations with the Russian Federation, initiating a policy known as the 'reset' which involved seeking cooperation on shared interests like nuclear non-proliferation. This core effort was exemplified by his administration's engagement with Moscow on matters of mutual concern and a desire to move past Cold War antagonisms. However, this pragmatic approach was fundamentally challenged by Russian actions, most notably the 2014 annexation of Crimea and subsequent interference in Ukraine.

The evolution of his policy shifted significantly following these escalations, with Obama condemning the violations of international law and imposing sanctions in response to Moscow's aggression. His later perspective viewed the Russian Federation, under its leadership, as driven by a desire to reassert itself as a great power through opportunistic or disruptive means, particularly in its neighborhood. This shift involved recognizing the inherent tension between cooperation and opposition, acknowledging that Russia would seek to exploit perceived Western weakness.