Calling for across-the-board repairs to a splintered relationship with Russia, the commission took note of some recent positive trends.
But the panel warned that they "are deeply concerned by the gap between the current U.S.-Russian relationship and the level of cooperation that the United States needs with Russia in order to advance vital American interests."
The commission, headed by former senators Chuck Hagel, a Republican, and Democrat Gary Hart, is a joint project of the Nixon Center, a Washington think tank, and the Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs of Harvard University.
Describing current relations as "deeply troubled," the commission said, however, that Moscow is not hostile to the United States, "at least not yet."
Even if the relationship breaks down completely, Russia does not have the will or the resources for a new Cold War, the report said.
Both governments are to blame for the decline, the panel concluded. Rebuilding the relationship "is not solely the responsibility of the United States," the report said.
The commission proposed that the administration of President Barack Obama "take a new look" at proposed U.S. missile deployments in Central Europe and concentrate instead on cooperation with Russia in confronting any threat from Iran.
A recent private letter from Obama to President Dmitry Medvedev reportedly broached recasting the proposed missile defense system to allay Russian concerns in return for Moscow's aid in dealing with the Iranian threat to build nuclear weapons.
"Building a joint system that could include Russian facilities and equipment is most desirable," the report said.
The United States has a strong interest in attracting Russia's cooperation. Key U.S. allies would prefer such an approach, and "it would send a powerful signal to Iran" while avoiding new dangers from a possibly hostile Moscow reaction to deployment of the missile defense system without an understanding with Russia, the report said.
A Message from The Moscow Times:
Dear readers,
We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.
We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.
Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.
By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.
Remind me later.