In terms of its geography, history, culture, mentality, Russia is a European country, of course we are counting on and will seek to expand our cooperation with the EU. This aspiration is fully appreciated and supported by all the leading EU countries and the leadership of the European Commission.

BBC: Breakfast with Frost

The United States and Russia have a history already, a decade-long history, of locking down loose nuclear materials.

WHITEHOUSE: Signing of New START Nuclear Arms Treaty with Russia

And Russia is merely one border--and a lot of overlapping, dark history--away from Ukraine.

FORBES

And as Dmitry said, the United States and Russia, because of our history and because we are nuclear superpowers, have a special obligation.

WHITEHOUSE: President Obama Makes a Trilateral Announcement with the Presidents of Russia and Kazakhstan | The White House

He says he expects to come to a settlement quite easily, and that one of BP's strengths is its long history of involvement with Russia, which contributes about 10% of BP's profits.

ECONOMIST: BP in Russia