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Russian President Vladimir Putin told President Obama today he will not be attending this month's G-8 summit at Camp David, Md.
Obama and Putin had also planned a private meeting in connection with the summit to be held May 18-19.
Instead, Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev -- who gave up the presidency to make way for Putin -- will attend the G-8.
Putin, whose recent election is the subject of street protests in Russia, told Obama he is still finalizing Cabinet appointments.
"President Obama expressed his understanding of President Putin's decision," said a White House readout of a phone call between the two leaders.
Obama and Putin will try to meet on the sidelines of the upcoming G-20 summit in Los Cabos, Mexico, scheduled for June 18-19.
The White House readout:
In their May 9 telephone conversation, President Obama and Russian President Vladimir Putin commemorated the occasion of Russia's celebration of Victory in Europe day, noting the historic war-time alliance between our two countries and underscoring their mutual commitment to strengthening the U.S.-Russian partnership.
President Obama and President Putin noted with satisfaction the concrete achievements of the last three years and expressed their commitment to enhance bilateral cooperation on the basis of mutual strategic interests.
Noting his responsibilities to finalize Cabinet appointments in the new Russian government, President Putin expressed his regret that he would be unable to attend the G-8 Summit at Camp David on May 18-19.
President Obama expressed his understanding of President Putin's decision and welcomed the participation of Russian Prime Minister Medvedev at the G-8 Summit.
President Obama and President Putin agreed to hold a bilateral meeting on the margins of the June 18-19, G-20 Summit in Los Cabos, Mexico.
The two presidents reiterated their interest in the sustained high-level dialogue that has characterized the re-set of relations, and the substantial progress of the last three years on issues like nuclear security and non-proliferation, Afghanistan, the WTO, and increased trade and commercial ties.
