Russian Foreign Minister: 'U.S. Wants To Improve Ties'

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov speaks during a news conference after a meeting with Iranian counterpart Mohammad Javad Zarif in Moscow, Russia, August 17, 2015. REUTERS/MAXIM ZMEYEV

Reuters: Russia's Lavrov says U.S. signals it wants to mend ties

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Monday the United States has been sending "signals" that it wants to start mending ties with Moscow, badly strained over the past year and a half by the conflict in Ukraine.

The United States and European Union slapped economic sanctions on Russia last year after its annexation of Ukraine's Crimean peninsula and support for a separatist rebellion in eastern Ukraine.

Moscow, which denies arming the rebels, responded with its own counter-sanctions against Western countries.

But Russia and the United States have still cooperated in some other areas, notably in helping to broker a landmark nuclear deal last month with Iran.

WNU Editor: The relationship and trust between Moscow and Washington is at a low point  .... and will remain there until the issues of Ukraine is resolved.