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Putin Defies Critics in Last Bow

Russian leader underlines post-presidency designs on power, spars with West

By Matt Cantor, Newser Staff

Posted Feb 14, 2008 2:36 PM CST

(Newser) – Today may have been Vladimir Putin’s final press conference as Russia's president, but he made it clear he won’t be going far, the New York Times reports. Putin said he would remain a force in the Kremlin, as “there’s enough power to go 'round,” Bloomberg adds. He defied international criticism, refusing to withdraw recent threats to aim nuclear weapons at Eastern Europe.

Putin condemned the idea of a US missile-defense system in Europe and criticized NATO for overstepping its bounds. Russia, he said, must respond by increasing its own nuclear defenses. “We will have to re-target our missiles on the objects that we think threaten our national security,” he said. Putin plans to become prime minister after Russia chooses his successor March 2.

Russian President Vladimir Putin speaks during his news conference in Moscow's Kemlin on Thursday, Feb. 14, 2008. Vladimir Putin was to hold the last annual news conference of his eight-year presidency... (Associated Press)

The interior of a supermarket is seen reflected on the screen of an in store television as Russian President Vladimir Putin gives a live a press conference in a Moscow on Thursday, Feb. 14, 2008. Vladimir... (Associated Press)

Russian President Vladimir Putin is seen during the live broadcast of a press conference, in a Moscow shop on Thursday, Feb. 14, 2008. Vladimir Putin held the last annual news conference of his eight-year... (Associated Press)

Russian President Vladimir Putin holds a Valentine's card given to him by a journalist during his news conference in Moscow's Kremlin on Thursday, Feb. 14, 2008. Putin held the last annual news conference... (Associated Press)

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Putin Defies Critics in Last Bow

Russian leader underlines post-presidency designs on power, spars with West

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Putin: We'll Use 'Strike Forces' Against Missile Shield

Russian PM even warns of 'new nuclear technologies'

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But Moscow may not support nuclear sanctions against Iran

Russia May Put Pressure on Ukraine Next

After dominating Georgia, Moscow could try to block NATO bid

Medvedev Warns Against NATO Plans

Russia unhappy about bid to accept former Soviet states

Putin Wants in on Missile Shield

Russian premier pushes plan for joint anti-missile defense system in lieu of bases in Poland, Czech Reppublic

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Putin Defies Critics in Last Bow

Russian leader underlines post-presidency designs on power, spars with West

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

NATO • Poland • Vladimir Putin • Czech Republic • press conference • missile defense system • Ukraine • prime minister • Dmitry Medvedev

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

[ By Comments ]

More Newser Stories

Putin: We'll Use 'Strike Forces' Against Missile Shield

Russian PM even warns of 'new nuclear technologies'

Putin Praises US for Ditching Missile Shield

But Moscow may not support nuclear sanctions against Iran

Russia May Put Pressure on Ukraine Next

After dominating Georgia, Moscow could try to block NATO bid

Medvedev Warns Against NATO Plans

Russia unhappy about bid to accept former Soviet states

Putin Wants in on Missile Shield

Russian premier pushes plan for joint anti-missile defense system in lieu of bases in Poland, Czech Reppublic

About Us

Site

Newser By Users

Community

Site Maps

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More News

What is Newser?