At what point is the US closest to Russia?

The United States and Russia, as two of the world’s most powerful nations, have had a complicated relationship over the years. At times, they have been allies, while at other times, they have been bitter rivals. The relationship between the US and Russia has gone through several phases, ranging from cooperation to confrontation. In this response, I will attempt to explore the various points in history when the US was closest to Russia.

1. World War II: During World War II, the US and the Soviet Union were allies against the Axis powers. The US provided military and economic aid to the Soviet Union, which played a significant role in the Soviet Union’s victory over Nazi Germany. The wartime alliance brought the two nations closer together and established a level of trust between the leaders of the two countries.
2. The Cold War: The post-World War II era was marked by a tense relationship between the US and the Soviet Union, which came to be known as the Cold War. However, there were a few instances when the US and Russia were closest to each other. One such instance was the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962. The US and the Soviet Union came dangerously close to nuclear war, but ultimately, the crisis was resolved peacefully through a series of negotiations. This crisis demonstrated the need for cooperation between the two nations and highlighted the danger of a nuclear war.
3. The fall of the Soviet Union: The fall of the Soviet Union in 1991 presented an opportunity for the US and Russia to strengthen their relationship. The US recognized the independence of the former Soviet republics, and the two nations worked together to promote stability in the region. President George H.W. Bush and Russian President Boris Yeltsin signed the START I treaty, which reduced both nations’ nuclear arsenals. This was a significant step towards building trust and cooperation between the two nations.
4. The War on Terror: Following the 9/11 terrorist attacks, the US and Russia found themselves on the same side in the War on Terror. The two nations worked together to combat terrorism and shared intelligence to prevent future attacks. Russia provided significant support to the US-led coalition in Afghanistan, allowing US troops to use Russian airspace and military bases. This cooperation helped bring the two nations closer together.
5. The Obama Administration: The Obama administration made efforts to improve the US-Russia relationship. President Obama and Russian President Dmitry Medvedev signed the New START treaty, which further reduced the nuclear arsenals of both nations. The two leaders also cooperated on issues such as climate change, cybersecurity, and the Iran nuclear deal. However, tensions rose again when Russia annexed Crimea in 2014, leading to economic sanctions by the US and other Western nations.

In conclusion, the relationship between the US and Russia has gone through several phases over the years, ranging from cooperation to confrontation. The points when the two nations were closest to each other were primarily during times of crisis, such as World War II and the Cuban Missile Crisis. Additionally, the fall of the Soviet Union, the War on Terror, and the Obama administration also presented opportunities for the US and Russia to work together. However, the relationship between the two nations has remained complex and fraught with tensions, as demonstrated by recent events such as the Russian interference in the 2016 US election and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.