My wife Taan and I have struggled since 1992 to improve relations between the United States and the Russian Federation, primarily through the establishment of the Fremont County/Valdai District Sister City Association and people to people diplomacy. During the last two American presidencies, one Republican the other Democrat, the official government policy of the United States appears to have been intended to renew the Cold War and rebuff every attempt by the Russian Federation to create a mutually beneficial partnership. I thank President Putin for his continuing efforts to develop a working relationship with the United States, but I understand that his patience is not inexhaustible and at this point I must question the sincerity of my own government to achieve such a relationship.
Having read the history of the Ukraine and Crimea, and being informed of recent events as relates to both, I fully support the actions and policy of the Russian Federation in defending ethnic Russians and annexing Crimea. I can only hope that in the future our two countries will come together in lasting friendship and brotherhood.
God Bless Russia and the Russian people.
Sincerely, Vaughn (Vanya)
[I was baptized «Ivan» in Valdai at the Iversky Monastery]