The two leaders, nearing the end of their presidencies, signed a declaration which expressed their readiness to search for a compromise on the controversial U.S. missile defence shield, an issue that has helped drive diplomatic ties to a post-Cold War low. Washington had hoped to make progress towards a deal at the two-day summit at Putin's vacation retreat in the Black Sea resort of Sochi but the vaguely worded declaration fell short of setting down even a framework for any agreement. The two leaders, nearing the end of their presidencies, signed a declaration which expressed their readiness to search for a compromise on the controversial U.S. missile defence shield, an issue that has helped drive diplomatic ties to a post-Cold War low. Washington had hoped to make progress towards a deal at the two-day summit at Putin's vacation retreat in the Black Sea resort of Sochi but the vaguely worded declaration fell short of setting down even a framework for any agreement.
