What did the soviets want from the united states when nixon took office in 1969 apex?

Food to make up for shortages.

The Soviet leaders wanted a deal with Nixon which would let them purchase the surplus Wheat production in the United States.

Unlike the United States, which had significantly invested in developing local agriculture, the Soviet Union was experiencing significant shortfalls.

The shortfall got so severe that it was beginning to have an impact on the economy as well and the leaders suspected, it might create social havoc as well.

That is why they were eager to make a deal with Nixon.