Putin tells Huntsman current ties between US and Russia 'cannot satisfy us'

SALT LAKE CITY — During a formal ceremony Tuesday in the Kremlin, new U.S. Ambassador to Russia Jon Huntsman Jr. was told by Russian President Vladimir Putin that the relationship between the two nations must improve.

"The current level of the ties cannot satisfy us," Putin said at a ceremony where he accepted diplomatic credentials from Huntsman and other new ambassadors from around the world, the Associated Press reported.

"We stand for constructive, predictable and mutually beneficial cooperation," the Russian leader said, adding that the United States and Russia should not meddle in their respective "domestic affairs."

Putin also offered Huntsman "my utmost and sincere condolences to the people and the administration of your country on the horrendous tragedy that happened in Las Vegas," in a translation reported by Russian state-owned television.

Tensions between the two counties have ratcheted up amid multiple investigations into Russia's meddling in the 2016 presidential election and possible ties to President Donald Trump's campaign.

The Russian Foreign Ministry recently ordered the U.S. to reduce its embassy staff by two-thirds after Congress passed sanctions intended as punishment for Russia's interference in the election and aggression toward neighboring countries.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov called Putin a consistent advocate of restoring ties between Russia and the United States, and blamed the current situation on Washington, not Moscow, the Russian news agency TASS reported.

"We hope, of course, that led by the new ambassador, the U.S. diplomatic mission will be able to make substantial contribution to restoring our relations from the damage done by Washington's actions," Peskov said.

Huntsman said in a statement following the ceremony that as ambassador, he looks "forward to working to rebuild trust between our two countries and to strengthening the bilateral relationship based on cooperation on common interests."

The former Utah governor said he "will seek out Russian people from all walks of life to share perspectives, to relay American values, and to deepen my growing appreciation for Russia's rich and fascinating history and culture."

University of Utah political science professor Marjorie Castle, an expert in Russian politics, said although it's possible the remarks from the Kremlin are intended to signal a new willingness to cooperate, that's probably not the case.

"I'm not sure that optimistic spin on it is realistic," Castle said, suggesting it's more likely that "Putin is simply holding firm on his current position and that Russia intends to continue doing exactly what it has been doing."

Jason Perry, head of the Hinckley Institute of Politics at the U., said the Kremlin's assessment was "an amazing understatement about the relation between the United States and Russia."

Perry said he believes Russia is looking to Huntsman "not as anyone who’s going to give on the key issues, but as someone who understands the important language of diplomacy.”

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The Kremlin ceremony is seen as marking the formal start of Huntsman's latest ambassadorship. First made public in March, Trump's pick for the key diplomatic post was confirmed by the U.S. Senate last week.

Huntsman is set to return to Utah for a ceremonial swearing-in event presided over by Gov. Gary Herbert in the Gold Room of the state Capitol at 10 a.m. Saturday. He was formally sworn in as ambassador before leaving for Moscow.

Herbert served as Huntsman's lieutenant governor and became governor when Huntsman stepped down in 2009 shortly after his election to a second term when he was named U.S. ambassador to China by then-President Barack Obama.

Huntsman left the Obama administration posting to make a run for president in 2012. He also served as U.S. ambassador to Singapore under former President George H.W. Bush.

Longtime friend Lew Cramer, a former international trade promoter for the United States, told KSL Newsradio's Doug Wright that Huntsman is well-suited to take on "the toughest diplomatic job on Earth."

Russia "is a very, very tough environment," said Cramer, now CEO of Coldwell Banker Commercial Advisors.

He said Huntsman's top challenge will be establishing a trusting relationship with Russia's leaders.

"President Putin has to know that he's dealing with a man that has our president's confidence, who is an experienced diplomat, who will not be cowed by threats," Cramer said. "Jon Huntsman builds trust."

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Contributing: Ladd Egan

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