Putin's Cold War rhetoric set to dominate G8[fr][de] 

Kremlin officials say that they do not want the issue to dominate the summit, and, in an apparent effort to stop the occasion disintegrating into a row over missile defence, Western capitals gave only a muted response to Putin's stark warning, of re-targeting Russia's nuclear weapons at Europe.

Many analysts have said that it was intended largely for Russian consumption and fits well with the hawkish mood of its powerful security establishment.

But ignoring Putin's warning will prove difficult for other G8 leaders.

The missile shield is only one of several contentious issues that could dominate proceedings when Putin meets US President George W. Bush, German Chancellor Angela Merkel, UK Prime Minister Tony Blair and the other G8 leaders at Heiligendamm.

Russia opposes Western plans to give Kosovo effective independence from Serbia. Putin is indignant about European allegations that he is rolling back democracy. And Russia is feuding with Britain over the murder of Russian emigre Alexander Litvinenko.

Other G8 countries have stated that they will challenge Putin on the issue on the summit's sidelines. 

But there are reasons why the differences between Russia and the West could stay in the background at Heiligendamm.

Putin is expected to meet Bush at his family compound in Kennebunkport, Maine, early next month. The two are still likely to have a face-to-face meeting on the sidelines of the summit, but they may save the hard talking about the missile shield for later.

On Kosovo, the US has said that it wanted a resolution on the province's future put to a vote in the UN Security Council this week, just as the G8 leaders are meeting. Russia hinted it could use its veto. But, with no date set for a vote, that flare-up may be averted, at least this week.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said:" It is obvious that if part of the strategic nuclear potential of the United States is located in Europe, and according to our military experts will be threatening us, we will have to respond. What kind of steps are we going to take in response? Of course, we are going to get new targets in Europe."

Speaking of himself as "the natural heir to Mahatma Ghandi", Putin added: "I'm a pure and absolute democrat. The tragedy is that I am alone."

US President George W. Bush has said he will make his case directly to Russian President Vladimir Putin later this week on the sidelines of the G8 summit: "My message will be Vladimir - I call him Vladimir - that you shouldn't fear a missile defense system,'' Bush said. "As a matter of fact, why don't you co-operate with us on a missile defense system. Why don't you participate with the United States?"  

Conservative Defence Spokesman MEP Geoffrey Van Orden said: "Mr Putin needs to be told, with one clear voice, that bullying does not work. Meanwhile, the British Government should intensify efforts to diversify our energy supplies and re-engage with the Kremlin. And the case for renewal of Britain's nuclear deterrent could not be better made."

"It will for my part be frank," French President Nicolas Sarkozy has said of his planned encounter with the Russian leader.