In case you read Italian (or use Google translator at a professional level) here's my extended interview to a chief Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera on Russia's attitude towards President Trump drive towards peace efforts and possible deal between Moscow and Washington.

DISCLAIMER: The attribution to me as a "counselor of the Kremlin" is a pure fantasy of the editors.

This administration is indeed moving very fast on things but such is the demand of modern times. I’d, however, argue there hasn’t been a swift substantive turn in US-Russia relations just yet. A mount of problems that have accumulated over the past few years is still there. The US, despite President Trump claims to forge a peace deal, is still a de facto party to the conflict since it helps Ukraine militarily, intelligence-wise and provides financial aid. But the very attitude and the very approach on the US side has changed, at least as far as the administration is concerned. This is very much appreciated in Moscow and seen within policy-making community as an opportunity to strive for something bigger.

Russia is not going to back down on its key security interests in Ukraine or elsewhere. Neither will the United States.

That said, there’s a recognition that the current situation provides a certain window of opportunity that may not last long. For instance, it’s hard to fathom the composition of US politics in 18 months from now after the midterms and later after 2028. This creates a situation where on the one hand there is reasonable willingness on the side of Moscow to get as many good things done with the Trump administration as possible; on the other – makes Russia carefully consider each proposal coming from the U.S., weight in its pros and cons, time limits, political constraints. Russia is not desperate to agree to everything simply out of fear to lose the opportunity to improve relations with the U.S. – after all, it’s a seasoned geopolitical player that can’t afford to trade its security interests for goodies.

But there’s a recognition that we have a genuine chance to start a fresh page with the US precisely because of the new thinking in Washington. History is a tough teacher and it doesn’t provide too many chances to correct the course. But when it does, these chances better be embraced.