Putin Sees Warmer Relations With US

Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin said the "positive signals" coming from Barack Obama's camp could lead to warmer relations between the two countries, Reuters reports. “If these are not just words, if they get transformed into a practical policy, then of course our reaction will be adequate and our American partners will feel this at once,” said Putin, in a marked contrast to heated rhetoric during the Georgia crisis.

Putin said he perceived a more conciliatory attitude from Obama's aides and thought NATO's decision this week not to offer Georgia and Ukraine a path to membership was significant. Putin’s warmth did not extend to talk of the proposed US missile defense system in Eastern Europe, which he vigorously opposes. (More Barack Obama stories.)