In the op-ed the Russian president predicted `` a great future for our two nations , '' adding that `` So far , each country has tried to prove the truth of those words to itself and the world by acting on its own . Putin : Putin not surprising : Russia has long tried to build its popularity . Sonenshine attentive to polls on views of Russia , tries to stem persistent negative portrayals , she says . She says oddly , Russia keeps doing negative things and trying to get positive press . Putin : Op-ed has provoked many ; Russia does n't mind ; Putin enjoys tweaking Russia .
Putin : Putin not surprising : Russia has long tried to build its popularity . Sonenshine attentive to polls on views of Russia , tries to stem persistent negative portrayals , she says . She says oddly , Russia keeps doing negative things and trying to get positive press . Putin : Op-ed has provoked many ; Russia does n't mind ; Putin enjoys tweaking Russia .