For some time, there has been debate in America about the future of Russia, and what America's role should be. Some have accepted it is a foregone conclusion that Russia would fail in its transition to democracy, and that we must therefore base our strategy on classic balance of power considerations. That view has consistently been rejected, and must continue to be rejected. If Russia is going to be weak and insecure within its own borders, our own security will eventually be threatened. If Russia is able to build a better future for its people, and define its future within the context of the community of nations, we all will all be the beneficiaries.
National leadership is, as always, the critical factor.
There is much that we don't know about President Putin. But we do know that he wants to build a modern Russia, and he certainly seems to realize that he cannot do so without reaching out to the West. We must make clear that our economic assistance is essential, but it is not unconditional. It depends on the maintenance of freedom in Russia. Our assistance can help Russia be free, but our ability to deliver that assistance will depend on the extent to which the Russian people remain free.