taking steps to normalize relations. they plan to open embassies in one another's capitals. barack obama says he'll leez long-standing trade restricts and both exchanging prisoners. 90 minutes from now vladimir putin will hold his annual news conference. we'll cover it live on cnn international. he's expected to face questions on their struggling economy. the ruble has been in free fall but stabilized wednesday after moscow unveiled a package to help banks. the u.s. is pointing the finger at north korea for hacking attacks at sony pictures. a group called guardians of peace is accused of leaking personal information. more recently they threatened anyone who goes to see "the interview" that prompted sony to cancel the film's christmas day release. back now to our stop story. it took everyone by surprise but