Russia’s interest in the U.S. is not just about finance.

As the Obama administration prepares to lay out its foreign policy, Russia is, according to Putin, ‘cautiously optimistic’:

“What we have heard in recent weeks, or maybe months, gives reasons to be somewhat optimistic. We’ve seen certain signals regarding the anti-missile defense. We’ve also noticed that in Obama’s circles there are talks about not rushing things, and the need for further analysis. We welcome such statements”.

Being together is all good and well, but it’s unlikely to happen in Davos. The U.S. is only sending top Obama advisor and confidant Valerie Jarrett.

Steven Schrage from the Washington-based Center for Strategic and International Studies explains why.

“It would convey a very bad signal to send a large contingent to an event that has an elite aura when there are real domestic problems,” he said.

In tougher times it is apt that Davos is distancing itself from champagne and caviar, but luxury is still prevalent, and the limos and helicopters attest to that.

Still it is hoped the Davos forum can provide real solutions to global financial troubles and organisers say Russia's role in the process is very clear.

“Russia is going to play a critical role both at Davos and much more broadly. On the economic side, it has an extremely important role to play. But also on the political side – we are delighted to have Prime Minister Putin here for that reason,” said Robert Greenhill, WEF managing director.

However, the media's scepticism about Davos is obvious. The headlines like ‘Chief executives make their Davos excuses’ (Financial Times), ‘Caviar days are over for Davos crisis debate’ (AFP) or ‘A chill wind blows through Davos as global crisis bites’ (Telegraph UK) attest to this.

Whatever happens this week, whether it is successful or not will not be known for a long time, but the participants are certainly set on doing all they can.