Bush and Putin 'unlikely to strike missile defence deal'

US President George Bush has all but abandoned hope of a major agreement on missile defences during talks this weekend with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

President Bush arrived in the Black Sea resort of Sochi for a final round of meetings with the Russian leader, who leaves office next month.

White House spokeswoman Dana Perino said it was unlikely the two will reach agreement on a missile defence system that President Bush wants placed in Europe. President Putin vigorously objects to the plan.

Ms Perino said President Bush and President Putin – and their successors – will have more work to do on the issue.

The two leaders met today at President Putin’s retreat on the Black Sea. He greeted his American counterpart with a handshake at the door of his summer home in a heavily wooded compound.