Russian President Vladimir Putin said Wednesday that his country wanted a relationship with the United States based on "respect," a day after accusing the U.S. of seeking to "subdue" Russia.
Speaking at a Kremlin ceremony during which a group of new ambassadors to Russia presented their credentials, Putin said Russia was ready for "practical cooperation" with the United States based on respect for each other's interests, equal rights and noninterference in internal affairs.
He said the two countries have "special responsibility" for upholding international security and stability and countering global challenges and threats.
The new U.S. ambassador to Russia, John Tefft, was among diplomats who presented credentials to the Russian leader.
On Tuesday, Putin told a meeting of supporters in Moscow that the United States was trying to bring Russia under its control and solve its problems "at our expense."
Over the weekend, Putin heard Western leaders, including President Barack Obama, Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper and Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott, criticize Russia's actions in Ukraine at the G-20 summit in Brisbane, Australia.
