Putin sends July Fourth message to Obama

Russian President Vladimir Putin sent a message to President Obama on Saturday, congratulating the United States on its Independence Day and calling for dialogue and respect between the two nations.

"The Russian president noted that despite the differences between the two countries, Russian-American relations remain the most important factor of international stability and security," the Kremlin said in a statement.

The U.S. and Russia have been at odds lately over the Kremlin's involvement in Ukraine. Russia denies allegations from the U.S. and other Western powers that it is backing separatists and fomenting unrest in the eastern part of Ukraine, despite mounting evidence to the contrary.

Putin's message made no reference to the heightened tensions in Ukraine or Western sanctions placed on his nation because of its involvement in the crisis and its annexation of the Crimean Peninsula last year.

"Vladimir Putin expressed confidence that Russia and the USA can find solutions to the most complicated international issues and efficiently resist global threats and challenges as they base their dialogue on principles of equality and respect of each other's interests," the Kremlin said.

The message was similar to a note sent by the Russian leader to Obama last Fourth of July.