Pall over Russian democracy as Bush meets Putin

US PRESIDENT George W Bush met Russian leader Vladimir Putin last night, certain to raise worries the Kremlin is stunting democracy even as the two leaders prepared jointly to mark a World War II anniversary.

Mr Bush, Mr Putin and more than 50 other world leaders will attend a Red Square parade today to pay homage to the huge role played by the Soviet Union in the defeat of Nazi Germany 60 years ago.

However, sharp US criticism of Mr Putin’s record on democracy and Bush’s open sympathy for complaints by the Baltic states about relations with neighbouring Russia have given the celebrations an uncomfortable edge for the Kremlin leader.