Stephen Lendman – Russia is vilified for its sovereign independence, Putin’s multi-world polarity advocacy, his opposition to imperial wars, refusal to be subservient to US interests, and support for mutual cooperation among all nations.

Conservative senior Weekly Standard editor Christopher Caldwell said “he rescued (Russia), and gave it coherence and purpose.”

He “refused…to accept…a subservient role in an American-run world system drawn up by foreign politicians and business leaders.”

Russians “revere him.” He “restrained” oligarchs looting the country, colluding with Western interests. He “restored” Russia’s global standing, strengthened its military, saving the country from Western dominance.

He’s a national hero, an antidote to destructive Western policies, responsible for so much harm to so many for so long.

Relentless US propaganda has most Americans irrationally fearing and distrusting Russia and Putin.

His spokesman Dmitry Peskov called it regrettable, saying they’re victimized by slanderous fake news.

“We’re patient enough to wait until we understand what are the approaches of the present administration,” Peskov explained.

“We understand that they – the present administration – still needs time to be more precise in formulating their main ideas in terms of Russia. The Russian side is ready” to improve bilateral relation when the “American side is ready.”

It requires both sides respecting the other’s interests, especially with regard to national security.

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