WASHINGTON (Sputnik) — On July 4, Putin told Obama in a telegram that US-Russian cooperation could help solve the world’s problems and expressed confidence in restoring constructive dialogue.
"This letter serves as a reminder that, despite all the media hype about [US] near-collisions with Russian [air]craft, things are basically stable and relations open," Todd said on Wednesday. "Putin's letter offers a sane, calm voice in the midst of calamitous terrorist and political activity."
Putin’s message, Todd noted, is designed to reassure the public that the United States and Russia are not on the verge of nuclear war despite the demonization of both Putin and Obama in US presidential campaigns.
Obama cannot do much publicly, Todd argued, because any actions will be seized upon by detractors amid the political fantasy season.
"Putin is going to be used by the candidates in the US election to further campaign objectives."
On Tuesday, US Department of Defense spokesperson Peter Cook said in a briefing that the United States is ready to cooperate with Russia in areas where the interests of the two countries intersect.
