A previous version of this article mistakenly identified Mariupol as lying on the Black Sea. In fact, it lies on the Sea of Azov, a northern extension of the Black Sea.

(CNN) Much has changed since Russia and the United States were important partners, Russian Presidential Spokesman Dmitry Peskov -- right-hand man to President Vladimir Putin -- told CNN's Christiane Amanpour in an exclusive interview on Wednesday.

"Let's be frank. Quite unexpectedly lots of water has passed under the bridges since that time," he said with a wry laugh.

"We have witnessed a tremendous clash of interests," he said, "in the heart of Europe, in Ukraine."

"So in the front of illegitimate armed takeover, armed coup that occurred in Kiev one year ago, Russia took a position -- quite understandable one -- but very, very frank, very open and very firm."

"The only thing we want is that our national interests, our sovereign rights and sovereign interests ... [are] treated with due respect. As soon as it happens, there will be a time for new renaissance in [our] international relationship."

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