Russia opens door to ‘new relationship’ with U.S. as Putin wrestles with Ukraine deadlock

ST. PETERSBURG, Russia — President Vladimir Putin looked out across a familiar scene on Friday — and a changing world

ST. PETERSBURG, Russia — President Vladimir Putin looked out across a familiar scene on Friday — and a changing world.

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The regimented ranks of government officials, business leaders and supporters who lined up to listen to the Russian leader speak at the International Economic Forum appeared much the same as they have for years.

But optimism that followed an August summit with President Donald Trump in Alaska has given way to a stalemate in Ukraine, both on the battlefield and in talks to end the conflict. On Thursday, the U.S. House passed bipartisan legislation that would provide new aid to Ukraine and impose sanctions against Moscow.