The United States and Russia have many common interests and this administration has sought to develop and nurture those interests, White House Press Secretary Jay Carney said.

“The State Department has a long history of engagement with countries around the world and the democratic process. It should not come as a surprise to anyone that we, the United States of America, support democracy for everyone around the world - and that we have made clear in our improved relationship with Russia the importance of our common interests, the successes that I know you’ve reported on and everyone here has reported on, that we have had working with Russia on a number of important issues,” Mr Carney told a briefing in Washington.

“But we also have sought to deepen our engagement with Russian society and promote universal values. And we will continue to do that,” he said.