"In his letter addressed to Ukrainian President Viktor Yuschenko, Russian President Dmitry Medvedev expressed hopes that mutual confidence and understanding will strengthen in Russian-Ukrainian relations in 2009, bilateral relations will develop constructively for the benefit of our peoples and in the interests of strengthening regional security," the presidential press service quoted Medvedev as saying, in it's report on his New Years congratulations to the heads of state and the prime ministers of foreign countries.

Medvedev says he hopes Russia and the U.S. will start working together on global issues quickly after Barack Obama's administration takes office.

The Kremlin has quoted Medvedev as saying in season's greetings to Obama that the two nations could expand their cooperation on the basis of "pragmatism and a balance of interests."

The Kremlin's statement issued Tuesday said Medvedev's message voiced hope that he and Obama's administration will begin working jointly "without delay" to tackle international issues.