(VOVworld) – Recent changes in the US create a window of opportunity for an improvement of the dialogue between Russia and the US, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov said Tuesday at a round-table discussion in Russia’s State Duma (lower house of parliament) dedicated to Russia-US relations. 

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov ( Source: VNA)

According to Ryabkov, Russia hails the announcement of closer relations that US President Donald Trump suggested in recent phone conversations with Russian President Vladimir Putin. He said Russia is open to dialogue with the United States on strategic issues, particularly on missile defense.  Ryabkov said Russia has not discussed with Washington the sanctions imposed over the annexation of Crimea or any criteria for lifting the sanctions.