A spy scandal, arms sales, Russian links with so-called rogue states and some uncommonly vocal diplomatic posturing from both sides clouded bilateral ties in the first four months of the new U.S. presidency.
Russian officials say they feared Moscow was being frozen out.
Washington made clear it was reviewing policies, but did little to dispel the idea Russia was no longer a top priority. Now things are starting to move. Russian officials are likely to be in listening mode on Friday, according to diplomats who follow arms control issues. Moscow is opposed to Bush's NMD plans, but responded favorably to the president's offer to consult allies and other nuclear nations. Next week, Foreign Minister Igor Ivanov will be Washington, and Russian officials do not rule out the possibility of his meeting with Bush there.