Russia’s relations with countries through which it ships gas, power and coal to Europe have been characterized by frequent disputes.

Following is initial reaction from U.S. officials and presidential candidates to the election on Sunday of Dmitry Medvedev as Russia’s next president. Medvedev vows to continue the policies of Vladimir Putin.

MOSCOW (Reuters) – Dmitry Medvedev has won 70.23 percent of the vote in Russia’s presidential election with 99.45 percent of the ballots counted, giving him an easy first round victory, preliminary results showed on Monday.