The Heat discusses strained relations between US and Russia

The Heat

When U.S. President Barack Obama took office, he vowed to repair Washington’s tattered relations with Moscow. But six years later, the relationship is still inflamed. From the crisis in the Ukraine, to the controversy over former NSA Contractor Edward Snowden, can the two nations find compromise?

The relationship between Russia and the United States is at its lowest point since the Cold War, analysts say. During a recent speech, Vladimir Putin said the sanctions imposed by the European Union and the United States, are aimed at isolating Russia. Putin also blames the West for weakening global and regional security.

“Statements that Russia is trying to reinstate some sort of empire, that it is encroaching on the sovereignty of its neighbors, are groundless. Russia does not require a special exclusive place in the world,” Putin said.

CCTV America’s Tom Barton reported this story from Moscow.

The Heat is joined by a panel of experts to discuss the current strained relations between Moscow and Washington:

* Peter Kuznick, professor of history at American University.
* Fraser Cameron, director of the European Union Russia Center.
* Dmitri Trenin, director of the Carnegie Moscow Center.

The top NATO commander says he’s concerned about a recent increase in Russian military fights near Europe. NATO allies have scrambled fighter jets to intercept more than a dozen Russian Fighter jets and bombers. U.S. Air Force General Philip Breedlove told reporters he believes the Russians are trying to send a message to demonstrate their power. Our panel of experts weighed in.