Obama at His Last Press Conference: Constructive U.S.-Russia Relations Benefit the World

On Wednesday, January 18, Barack Obama stated in his final press conference that constructive relations between the U.S. and Russia are beneficial for the world, but Russia's approach under Vladimir Putin, which adopts a 'hostile spirit' reminiscent of the Cold War, makes this difficult. According to Reuters, the U.S. President emphasized that it is in the interest of the U.S. and the world to have a constructive relationship with Russia. During this press conference, a reporter asked about the potential lifting of sanctions on Russia by Donald Trump, the elected president. Obama pointed out that U.S. and global interests require a constructive relationship with Russia, stressing that sanctions on Russia were not due to nuclear issues but because of its interference in Ukraine. Russia continues to intervene in Ukraine and occupies part of the country. He stated: 'Ukraine is an independent country, and it is the duty of the U.S. to support and protect accepted international standards and principles.' Relations between Russia and the U.S. during Barack Obama's presidency have been marked by significant tensions, which media describe as unprecedented since the Cold War. Russia's annexation of Crimea, accusations against Moscow regarding support for Ukrainian separatists, the Kremlin's support for Bashar al-Assad's regime in the Syrian civil war, and Russia's objections to NATO's expansion at its western borders are among these tensions. In recent months, U.S. officials have raised allegations about Russia's interference in the recent U.S. presidential elections. Following this, a reporter asked Obama about the commutation of Chelsea Manning's sentence. Chelsea Manning was imprisoned in 2010 for leaking classified documents to WikiLeaks. Obama responded that Manning has endured a tough prison term, and he believes justice has been served. He clarified that she was tried and convicted fairly. According to the initial ruling, Manning was supposed to be released in 2045, but with her sentence commuted, she will be released on May 17. This former U.S. Army soldier, who served as an intelligence analyst in Iraq in 2009, was sentenced to 35 years in prison three years ago for leaking thousands of classified documents to WikiLeaks. During the press conference, a reporter also asked Obama about the UN Security Council resolution against Israel and Donald Trump's approach to moving the U.S. embassy to Jerusalem. Obama replied that he remains concerned about the current situation in Israel and Palestine, stating that it is dangerous for Israel, bad for Palestinians, and risky for the region. He noted that the only solution is the establishment of two states, Israel and Palestine, side by side, adding that he believes the current situation is unsustainable. Obama further stated that we cannot force both sides to make peace, yet he expressed concern about the loss of the opportunity for 'two states' to exist together. According to AFP, Barack Obama has held at least 150 press conferences during his presidency and held his last press conference two days before the power transition to Donald Trump, the elected president. AFP reports that Obama leaves the White House with recent polls showing that 60% of Americans approve of his performance, the highest approval rating he has received in polls since 2009. Donald Trump will officially begin his term as the 45th President of the United States on Friday with an oath of office.