Putin to shun US-hosted G8 talks
Of all the signals and symbols that shape Russian foreign policy, this one seemed particularly blunt: Vladimir Putin, in one of the first decisions of his new presidency, will shun a Group of Eight summit hosted by US President Barack Obama.
The May 18-19 visit was to have been Putin's first foreign trip since he returned to the Kremlin on Monday, a chance to begin putting US ties back on track after a growth in tension over missile defence, Syria and Russia's presidential campaign. (Reuters)
