“We believe we need to help Iran to make a right decision,” Medvedev said. “As to…sanctions, Russia’s belief is very simple, and I stated it recently. Sanctions rarely lead to productive results. But in some cases sanctions are inevitable. Finally, it is a matter of choice.”…

“To me, that’s a very big change in their position,” said McFaul, who was clearly delighted as he discussed the development with reporters soon after the session. “I can’t improve on what President Medvedev said.”…

When a reporter suggested that previous administrations have claimed Russia also opposed Iranian nukes, McFaul replied, “You can read the statements from what he said under the Bush Administration and compare them. They’re different.”