BEIJING (AP) – On the surface, President Barack Obama and Russian President Vladimir Putin are all niceties – a pat on the back here, a pleasantry there.
But away from the cameras, the two leaders are circling each other warily at a global summit in China. That’s where Obama and Putin are coming face to face just as relations between their countries continue to deteriorate.
Despite a handful of encounters, it’s unclear whether the leaders have broached any of the tough issues, such as tough U.S. sanctions that have damaged Russia’s economy, or a fragile ceasefire in Ukraine.
Officials say Obama and Putin didn’t delve into substance during a brief encounter Monday night. And in public appearances Tuesday, the two have kept their deep-seated disagreements out of sight.