The passage of a new trade bill that takes aim at Russia’s human rights record could complicate the Obama administration’s efforts to improve U.S-Russian relations, says CFR’s Stephen Sestanovich.

The trial of a punk band in Russia reflects the Putin regime’s hard-line opinions on political dissent, and those views are shaping its foreign policy, says CFR’s Stephen Sestanovich.

Russian President Putin, mistrustful of Western motives, is likely to resist pressure to commit to stronger sanctions against Syria’s government, says expert Dimitri Simes.

Vladimir Putin’s third term as Russia’s president could be characterized by greater political competition and middle-class opposition domestically, along with mixed relations with the United States, …

Vladimir Putin’s reelection as president raises concerns over domestic reforms and relations with Washington. Russia’s future will be determined by Putin’s handling of opponents and whether oppositio…