Bush and Putin to Meet Amid Strained Relations and Criticisms of Russia's Domestic Policies

Strategic Insights -

President Vladimir V. Putin is likely to respond to President Bush's criticism of Russia's crackdown on independent businesses and internal dissent by raising concerns about the United States' domestic policies, according to Yuri Ushakov, the Russian ambassador to the United States. This comes as the two leaders meet in Slovakia this week amidst strained relations between the two countries. The Bush administration has been publicly raising its concerns over Russia's internal practices, particularly the seizure of independent businesses and prosecution of business executives, and more recently over Mr. Putin's efforts to cement his control of the political process.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Russian ambassador, Yuri Ushakov, stated that President Putin is likely to respond to President Bush's criticism by raising concerns about the United States' domestic policies, specifically mentioning the detention of prisoners at Abu Ghraib in Iraq and Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, and the 2000 presidential election.
  • The Bush administration has been publicly raising its concerns over Russia's internal practices, particularly the seizure of independent businesses and prosecution of business executives, and more recently over Mr. Putin's efforts to cement his control of the political process.
  • Russia has been critical of the United States' support for the pro-Western presidential candidate in Ukraine and its decision to make democratic freedoms more of a centerpiece of American foreign policy.
  • The Russian ambassador noted that Russia is open to legitimate criticism, but the country is defensive about its domestic policies, citing the "terrible tragedy in Beslan" and the need for adjustments in governance to ensure more security and integrity.
  • The Bush administration has rejected calls from Senators John McCain and Joseph I. Lieberman to remove Russia from the Group of 8 due to its domestic political record.

Statistics:

  • Russia has seized the oil giant Yukos and prosecuted its executives.
  • 300+ people died in the school hostage siege in Beslan in September 2004, with over half being school children.
  • The 2000 presidential election in the United States saw the Supreme Court ruling in favor of President Bush in a recount dispute.
  • The Bush administration has raised concerns over Russia's intolerance of independent business power.
  • The United States has objected to Mr. Putin's move to end the popular election of regional governors and to make parliamentary voting based on party slates rather than individuals.

Sources:

  • The New York Times - interviews with Yuri Ushakov, Russian Ambassador to the United States
  • Reuters - comments from Bush administration officials
  • BBC News - reports on the strained relations between the United States and Russia
  • The White House - comments from President Bush on the meeting with President Putin