Russia defies U.S. with Venezuela arms deal - Jul 27, 2006

Seems Putin saw Junior's soul as well.

One of the things he saw is an underlying cowardice that has been part of Bush since early in his life.

CNN.com - Russia defies U.S. with Venezuela arms deal - Jul 27, 2006:

"MOSCOW, Russia (Reuters) -- Russia said Thursday it had sold 24 aircraft and 53 helicopters to Venezuela, defying the United States, which has urged Moscow to halt arms sales to Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez.

Russia's arms export chief, speaking as Chavez met Russian President Vladimir Putin in the Kremlin, said the aircraft deal was part of a long-term package of arms contracts with Venezuela that was worth more than $3 billion.

Chavez is a vocal critic of what he calls U.S. imperialism. Washington considers him a dangerous radical and had urged Russia to rethink the weapons sale. It bans its own producers from selling weapons to Venezuela.

'In the face of a blockade that was imposed on us, Russia extended us a hand,' Chavez said after his talks with Putin.
The arms deal is likely to add to friction in an already testy relationship between Washington and a Russia which, under Putin, has taken on a more assertive international role.