Earlier today (Friday 20 Teves 5782) Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said "Speaking about Russia-US relations, they are unhealthy. A lot of irritants have piled up. The Americans are pursuing an openly unfriendly policy by imposing sanctions, making unsubstantiated accusations against us, and taking other hostile steps which create a toxic atmosphere and make calm and professional communication impossible.". Relations have worsened with the Biden administration. Former President Donald Trump repeatedly said that good relations with Russia was a good thing. His opponents accused him of collaboration. The risk of an open conflict has increased with the expansionist policies of United States President Joe Biden with regard to NATO.