What Is the Relationship Between Russia and the U.S. Now?

Enlarge this image Outside the U.S. Embassy in Moscow in April 2025. Pro-war signs in the Russian tricolor read “We’re Together” and promise inevitable victory in Ukraine. A key symbol is the letter Z — the Kremlin’s chosen symbol in support of the war. Charles Maynes/NPR hide caption toggle caption Charles Maynes/NPR Outside the U.S. Embassy in Moscow in April 2025. Pro-war signs in the Russian tricolor read “We’re Together” and promise inevitable victory in Ukraine. A key symbol is the letter Z — the Kremlin’s chosen symbol in support of the war. Charles Maynes/NPR The sometimes cold and often frozen relationship between Russia and the U.S. has gotten a lot warmer since President Trump took office. And even though the American drive to broker a peace deal between Russia and Ukraine may be faltering, the desire to do big business deals with the Kremlin has not. We go to Moscow to look at how the relationship between the two countries has changed, from the Russian perspective.CORRECTION: A previous version of the audio in this story misidentified Pete Hegseth as the secretary of state. He is the secretary of defense. Sponsor Message