Russian President Putin

Russian President Putin gave a stark missile warning to the United States. He says the plans for a missile shield could precipitate a situation similar to the Cuban missile crisis of the l950's. He was speaking after a summit with EU leaders in Portugal aimed at deepening ties despite disagreements over human rights and foreign policy. Russia has long opposed US plan to build missile bases in European states once in the Soviet sphere of influence. The Cuban crisis saw the Soviet Union and the US go to the brink of nuclear war. We sure don't that to happen again.

Putin Told of 'Assassination Bid'

Russian President Vladimir Putin has been warned of a plot to assassinate him during a visit to Iran this week, according to Kremlin officials. The Interfax news agency cited sources in the Russian special services saying a gang of suicide bombers would attempt to kill Mr. Putin in Tehran. Iran's foreign ministry dismissed the reports as "completely baseless". A Kremlin spokesman told Reuters there were no plans to cancel the trip to meet President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.

Putin Eyes Prime Minister's Job

Russian President, Vladimir Putin has raised the possibility of becoming a future prime minister by agreeing to enter the December parliamentary polls. Mr. Putin, who must leave office as president next year, said suggestions he might seek to become Russian prime minister were entirely realistic. He said he accepted the proposal by the United Russia to head the party's list, without becoming a member. By being on the list he is guaranteed a seat in the next parliament.

Kremlin Boots 4 British Diplomats

Russia retaliated against Britain in an escalating diplomatic fight July 20, but President Vladimir Putin sought to calm what he called a mini-crisis over his refusal to extradite a suspect in the murder of a Kremlin critic in London. Putin appeared intent on keeping the dispute over alleged Russian involvement in former KGB agent Alexander Litvinenko's slaying from harming trade and investment ties. While Putin tried to play down the fight, he also suggested it was up to Britain to back off in the confrontation.

Putin Criticizes WHO

Putin criticized international economic institutions for protecting the interests of a select few developed countries. He called for a new global economic order that would give rapidly growing developing economies a bigger role. He said the world is indeed changing before our eyes. Some of the countries that yesterday seemed hopelessly behind are today the fastest growing economies in the world. He said, that if, 50 years ago, 60 percent of the world's GDP came from G-7 countries, then today it is the other way around.