This is not to say that cooperation between Russia and the US is not possible. At the moment both sides have indicated that they are open to dialogue, something Moscow has long called for. In the limited timeframe left before the next US president moves into the White House, the Obama administration and the Kremlin could certainly agree on small measures, US-based think tank Stratfor noted.
"Tactical agreements are indeed possible, such as a plan to fight [Daesh] in Syria and moderate concessions on the Ukraine crisis, sanctions and the military buildup in Eastern Europe," analysts said.
Moscow's recent offer to fly its aircraft over the Baltic region with transponders turned on if NATO countries do the same could serve as a blueprint for similar tactical deals. Russia's envoy to NATO Alexander Grushko voiced the idea on Thursday.
These measures, if carried out in good faith, could "help restore the cessation of hostilities, significantly reduce the violence and help create the space for a negotiated and credible political transition," Russia's top diplomat said.
The details of the deal have not been made public.
Stratfor analysts referred to the initiatives as a "small tactical shift," adding that regardless of what deals Russia and Washington reach in the coming months "much unfinished US-Russian business will carry over into the next administration."
In the meantime, the Russian Defense Ministry reported that no ceasefire violations were registered in the past 24 hours in Syria.
