Russia's Ambassador to the United States Sergey Kislyak admitted in a new interview that working with the Trump administration is difficult.
The Washington Examiner reports Kislyak as telling a state-run media outlet in Russia there's still work to be done before the two countries can grow closer.
"Work with [President] Donald Trump's administration is unfolding uneasily," Kislyak said.
The longtime diplomat, who some have suggested is a Russian spy, noted that U.S. sanctions on Russia are a "headache." Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin will meet Friday at the G-20 summit in Hamburg, Germany. The subject of sanctions may come up.
"There are always opportunities for positive turnarounds," Kislyak said. "What is needed is the resolve not to miss such opportunities. Let's see what the U.S. will do for the meeting."
Kislyak has found himself at the center of the Russia scandal because of contacts he's had with American officials, including members of Trump's campaign and transition teams.
Kislyak has served as ambassador since 2008 but is expected to depart Washington soon for a position at the UN.