Vladimir Putin

Top Trump envoys signal no quick changes to U.S.-Russia ties

By Matthew Lee, Lolita C. Baldor, Associated Press

The Trump administration signaled Thursday there will be no change soon in U.S.-Russian relations, putting the onus on Moscow to prove itself if it wants closer cooperation with Washington.

Pentagon boss to NATO nations: Increase military spending

By Lolita C. Baldor, Associated Press

Echoing President Donald Trump's demands for NATO countries to assume greater self-defense responsibility, the defense secretary said Washington will "moderate its commitment" to the alliance if countries fail to fall in line.

5 important stories you may have missed during last week’s news deluge

By Joshua Barajas, Iman Smith, Erica R. Hendry

In honor of Patriots quarterback Tom Brady's five Super Bowl wins, here are five stories that ought to get more attention.

Asked about Putin, Trump says U.S. isn’t ‘so innocent’

By Associated Press

President Donald Trump said he respects Vladimir Putin, and when an interviewer called the Russian leader "a killer," Trump said the United States has many of them.

Trump and Putin agree to meet, Kremlin says

By Jill Colvin, Associated Press

Putin's spokesman lauded the phone call as a "good, constructive conversation," but dismissed suggestions of Trump and Putin reaching deals during the call.

GOP warns Trump not to lift Russia sanctions after call with Putin

By Lynn Berry, Associated Press

"I'm absolutely opposed to lifting sanctions on the Russians," Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., said Sunday. "If anything, we ought to be looking at increasing them."…

Outgoing CIA chief rips into Trump on Russia threat

By Laurie Kellman, Associated Press

Outgoing CIA director John Brennan said the president-elect lacks a full understanding of the threat Moscow poses to the United States.

House Dems press FBI on Russia, possible link to Trump camp

By Erica Werner, Associated Press

House Democrats confronted James Comey over his refusal to say whether the FBI is investigating possible links between President-elect Donald Trump's campaign and Russia.

Once a superpower, how strong is Russia now?

By Larisa Epatko

With Russia so much in the news lately, we decided to take a closer look at Russia itself with the help of two regional experts.

Trump aide Flynn in frequent contact with Russia envoy

By Julie Pace, Associated Press

The Obama administration is aware of frequent contacts between President-elect Donald Trump's national security adviser Michael Flynn and Russia's ambassador to the United States.