Although We've Come to the End of the Road

The two presidents were on first name terms throughout their news conference. George Bush remarked that their meetings had always been agreeable, even when they disagreed.

But disagree they do, and on the most fundamental issues - Nato expansion and missile defence.

On the latter, Vladimir Putin emphasised that his country's opposition to American plans for a missile defence shield in Eastern Europe went deeper than simple objections of protocol.

"This is not about language, this is not about diplomatic phrasing or wording, this is about the substance of the issue," he said. "I'd like to be very clear on this. Our fundamental attitude to the American plans has not changed."

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Since Putin is no longer president a strain will be put on the relationship of him and US president, George W. Bush. They seem to be great friends. However their friendship does not mean much whenit comesto the US's desire to set up a missile defence system. Russia refuses to participate.

Bush to Make a Dash to Russia

WASHINGTON: The US President, George Bush, will make an unexpected trip to Russia after a NATO summit next week to meet President Vladimir Putin in the hope of repairing relations that have grown strained over missile defence, Kosovo independence and NATO expansion.

The decision surprised even some US officials and set both governments scrambling to accommodate the last-minute visit and organise an agreement to justify it. For Mr Bush, the meeting represents a gamble that he can still resolve thorny disputes with Russia before Mr Putin steps down on May 7.

"I'm optimistic we can reach accord on very important matters," Mr Bush told a group of foreign journalists at the White House. "I think a lot of people in Europe would have a deep sigh of relief if we're able to reach an accord on missile defence. And hopefully we can."

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George W. Bush will be traveling to Russia to help ease tension about some of Russia's current international issues. He is doing so in hopes of coming up with some resolutions before Putin steps down from the presidential seat. The World waits in awe to see if George W. Bush can ease tension about anything. This article also provides a look into Russia's diplomatic realationship with the US.

Russia Sends Warning to the West

"President Vladimir Putin's decision to suspend Russia's participation in the Conventional Forces in Europe, or CFE, treaty is a potent political signal."

Recently, Putin has made it clear that he no intention of cooperating with political actions or initiatives associated with President Bush and Washington, even after "the informal meeting at the start of this month between the US and Russian presidents at the Bush family's holiday home at Kennebunkport in Maine." This is even leading the UN to question just "how far Russia might go to block initiatives backed by Washington and its key allies."

"The Russians have been threatening to suspend their participation in the CFE treaty for several months." Now, Putin's patience has gone and he has suspended "various routine inspections, exchanges of data, and so on. President Putin's decree to suspend application of the treaty is not the same as a full-scale withdrawal - that would require a formal notification of the other parties".

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Although the CFE is no longer relevant, the decision to suspend it is. It demonstrates Putin's strong oppostition against the US, but at the same time, but also shows how Russia is beginning to make similar actions. As the article said, "in a sense Mr Putin is just demonstrating that what the Americans can do in the name of their vital interests, so Russia can also threaten in the name of its national interest." The thing to watch now will be how the West and UN react.

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