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.

Putin To Attend Nato Summit

"Russian President Vladimir Putin will attend a Nato summit in the Romanian capital Bucharest in April, Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov says." This decision "comes at a time of tense relations between Nato and Russia." Hopefully, this will be able to smooth some issues that Russia has been having with other nations. As Mr. Lavrov said,"This yet again testifies to the fact that Russia is open to dialogue on any issues." Nato has yet to confirm the invitation.


Recently, Putin "condemned Nato's eastward expansion and the US plan to include Poland and the Czech Republic in a missile defence shield." "It is already clear that a new phase in the arms race is unfolding in the world," Putin said. "It is not our fault, because we did not start it." Putin also said that other countries are spending far more money on weapontry than Russia, but "Russia would always respond to the challenges of a new arms race by developing more hi-tech weaponry," he added.


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This motion by Putin to attempt to smooth foreign relations could be a good sign. His discussion of a new arms race will most likely be looked on negatively by other nations although he makes a clear point that Russia is not going to officially start it.

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Russian Navy Fired Missiles Off of French Coast

A Russian military official has said that "two Tu-160 bombers tested the missiles in neutral waters in the Bay of Biscay off the coast of France and Spain on Tuesday." Recently, the Russian military has resumed many patrols and practices that were suspended after the collapse of the Soviet Union. It "was revived last August as part of a more assertive foreign policy pursued by President Vladimir Putin."

"Military analysts say Russia's boosted military presence is largely symbolic. Higher oil prices have enabled Russia to re-invest in its armed forces but its military capabilities remain far below what they were during the Soviet era, correspondents say. "

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This increase in military presence, while being completely neutral, may either aid foriegn opinion or further hurt the international views towards the Russian Navy, which currently suffers from "accidents such as the sinking of the Kursk nuclear submarine in 2000." Between this and suspending the CFE, Russia is pushing the limits in the break of policies created at the end of the Cold War, and it will prove interesting to see how international organizations like the UN will react.


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