MOSCOW. Feb 25 (Interfax) - There is a long way to go before confidence in Russia-U.S. relations is restored, as such things do not happen overnight, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said.
"There is a long way to go before we can say that we trust the Americans," Peskov told the press in response to a question on whether Russian President Vladimir Putin trusts the new U.S. administration, in particular, with regard to the rare earth deal.
"We need to take numerous little steps towards each other in order to facilitate emergence, restoration of the atmosphere of confidence. A lot of damage has been done, a lot has been ruined, so, of course, it is impossible to restore all of that overnight," Peskov said.
As to whether Putin trusts the Americans, Peskov said, "Listen, we trust ourselves."
Speaking of what the sides should do to restore confidence, he said, "It would be necessary to elaborate measures towards restoring and strengthening mutual confidence. There is a lot of work to be done."