MOSCOW (Sputnik) — Russia and the West are currently experiencing the worst diplomatic relations since the fall of the Soviet Union. The United States and the European Union are accusing Russia of "annexing" the Crimean peninsula and interfering in Ukraine's internal affairs.
"The following issues were discussed: is it possible to improve US-Russian relations in the current situation, when there are cardinal differences in interests and approaches to the Ukrainian crisis and European security," the Duma press service said in a statement issued on Thursday.
It went on to say that Tefft and Pushkov explored areas of mutual interests during their Thursday meeting, which may pave the way toward cooperation amid the "general political confrontation between Moscow and Washington."
"The Cold War rhetoric's destructive impact on bilateral relations was also noted," the statement added.
