The dissolution of the Soviet Union in December 1991 brought an end to the Cold War and created the opportunity for bilateral relations of the United States with Armenia and other New Independent States (NIS) as they began a political and economic transformation. The United States recognized the independence of Armenia on December 25, 1991, and opened an embassy in the capital city of Armenia, Yerevan in February 1992. According to the 2016 U.S. Global Leadership Report, 42% of Armenians approve of U.S. leadership, with 31% disapproving and 27% uncertain.