Russian President Dmitry Medvedev has toned down his rhetoric toward the United States, at least temporarily, USA Today reports.

Shortly after Barack Obama's election, the Russian president made threats and generally undiplomatic remarks to welcome the new American president-elect.

Among other things, Mr. Medvedev pledged to move missiles near Poland if the United States persists in basing missile defense units there. The U.S. military technology is supposed to guard against Iranian missiles, by the way, and is not aimed at Russia.

Yet Thursday in Paris, two days before flying to Washington, D.C., for an international financial summit, the Russian leader spoke of the possibility for improved U.S.-Russian ties.

He said the beginning of a new American administration provides a decent chance of mending frayed relations between the two countries.

To which side of Dmitry Medvedev should the United States respond?