Putin’s New Year message to Obama: Looking for equality in ties

Russian President Vladimir Putin with his U.S. counterpart Barack Obama.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has said in a New Year’s message to U.S. President Barack Obama that Moscow is looking for equality in bilateral relations next year.

The Kremlin on Wednesday published several dozen New Year’s messages addressed to heads of states and international organizations such as the Olympic Committee and FIFA.

Mr. Putin reminded Mr. Obama of the upcoming 70th anniversary of the allied victory in World War II and said that it should serve as a reminder of “the responsibility that Russia and the United States bear for maintaining peace and international stability.”

Moscow is anxious for the relations to advance but only as long as there is “equality and mutual respect.”