July 6, 2009
Posted: July 6th, 2009 01:23 PM ET


MOSCOW, Russia (CNN) - U.S. President Barack Obama and Russian President Dmitry Medvedev signed an agreement Monday that will help U.S. military efforts in Afghanistan.

The deal will allow the United States to transport personnel and equipment across Russian territory to supply U.S. and coalition forces in Afghanistan.

"This is a substantial contribution by Russia to our international effort, and it will save the United States time and resources in giving our troops the support that they need," Obama said at a news conference with Medvedev.

In a written statement, the White House said the deal "complements a NATO-Russia arrangement, under which the United States began shipping non-lethal equipment to Afghanistan through Russian territory earlier this year."

The new transit routes will allow the U.S. military to resupply international forces more quickly, saving up to $133 million a year in fuel and other transportation costs, the White House said.

Obama and Medvedev also issued a joint statement saying they are concerned about the continuing conflict in Afghanistan and reaffirming their "commitment to the goals of the common fight against the threats of terrorism, armed extremism, and illegal drug trafficking" in the country.

"We shall continue and develop our cooperation in the interest of enhancing the capabilities of the government of Afghanistan to accomplish key socioeconomic objectives, to raise living standards, and to ensure the security of its people," the two presidents said.

Updated: 1:23 p.m.

Filed under: Afghanistan • Dmitry Medvedev • President Obama • Russia


southerncousin   July 6th, 2009 3:22 pm ET

Obama is just amazing. Getting them to do something they should have always done. This will be praised as one of his greatest accomplishments. He is the savior, the awaited for one, the messiah, how much did we have to give up to get them to conform to the United Nations resolution that was passed in 2001.

Susan   July 6th, 2009 3:18 pm ET

Oh yeah, great move, now we get deeper into debt with another ongoing war! We are not saving anything because we are sending in more soldiers and more equipment to take care of the problem. If you think this is so good, why did the the Russians not offer to help by letting some of their soldiers' go fight or better yet, why not offer money!

Bill   July 6th, 2009 3:14 pm ET

None of the 9/11 Terrorist were from Iraq. Most of them were from Countries that are friends of America. Even London Metro Bombing was done by Pakistan Terrorists. Pakistan is friend of America and an ally. Iraq was attacked for Bush’s Greed for Oil. Intelligence reports about Iraq’s WMDs was intentionally created to mislead Americans for their support to go into War. Bush admitted ”Intelligence about Iraq was a Mistake”.....
Mistake that resulted into the deaths of 4300 US Troops and 45000 US Troops Injured. In 9/11 attacks about 2800 people died. And to imprudently remedy 9/11 we lost another 4300 lives without any success and we are still hanging in uncertainty and we are still unsafe.
Weapons are Supplied to Terrorists by Countries like Russia and China. Iraq and Afghanistan, these countries can’t even manufacture a paper clip, leave aside sophisticated weapons. Weapons are not only being supplied to Al Quida, weapons are also supplied to Somalia Pirates.

chris   July 6th, 2009 3:12 pm ET

Russia would be a good ally to have...

John   July 6th, 2009 12:45 pm ET

Whatever Obama does, Republicans criticize him. This in not constructive criticism, it is a sadist attitude.

Republican Party is Done, Gone, Finished.
Filibuster for us. The Duds and Incompetent have been Eliminated.
Freedom has Come to America.
We no more have Idiots Running our Country.
We have no more Criminals in White House.

Republican Party did nothing in last 8 years.
Now they are Speaking.
They need to just shut their loud mouths.
All Talk + No Deeds = Republican Party.............

Hugo   July 6th, 2009 12:45 pm ET

Yes Sniffit and Reality King will learn that when the liberal left figures out that Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are the root cause of our economic woes. Of course that would mean they would have to figure out what party was in control of House and Senate at that time during the Bush Administration also....Democrats! Remember, 2010 and 2012, special voting thanks to Barney Frank, Nancy Pelosi, Harry Reid, Franklin Raines, Maxine Waters and many many more! Spend, Spend, Spend; Spend, Spend, Spend; your future, your future.... (sung to shake your booty)

Susie   July 6th, 2009 12:42 pm ET

It's about time the People, the taxpayers, I mean, have started ranting about this NObama fiasco. Out of Iraq?? into Afghanistan? well soon Korea, I guess and then the TOPPER, IRAN!!! What a jacko, that is a popular name I understand, well You GO OHbama – but don't take US with you.

Dre   July 6th, 2009 12:41 pm ET

when can we give this president some credit for once, these haters are always talking nonsense when this man is doing all he can do for American.

Heidi in Houston   July 6th, 2009 12:40 pm ET

@panem et ineffectiveness:

"Gotta wonder what you're sniffing, there, big guy. If Russia cared about stability in the region they would put pressure on Iran to stop the nuclear escalation campaign they are on."

Um, Medvedev DID publicly denounce Iran's nuclear intentions today, which was a really surprising part of the presser today. Why don't you watch it first, before commenting and insulting the more informed posters like sniffit?

yuri   July 6th, 2009 12:39 pm ET

The GOPS ain't gonna happy about this. For example, we can hear things like-"What's he doin'?. Is he sellin' out US to the Russians who are known for their knavish behaviors?"

US-Russian relations have been looked by many a politician and nobody came up with a clear definition or an adjective. Reagon was rough 'n' tough with Gorby. If we say -patience- that's onething GOP haven't got much.

Jeff from Atlanta   July 6th, 2009 12:39 pm ET

@ Georgio
I'm one of those who do not underestimate this president. I think he's an inexperienced joke and he has yet to disappoint my beliefs.

sine   July 6th, 2009 12:37 pm ET

This is what a president is -Lord thank you, I have missed this the last 8 years!!!

panem et circenses   July 6th, 2009 12:35 pm ET

@Sniffit – Russia benefits as much as anyone and more from increased stability in the region, particulalry in light of the danger a decreasingly stable Pakistan represents as a result of the events in Afghanistan. Poland…ha…nice try…did you read that in some tea leaves left over from that insipid "teabagging" tantrum?

Gotta wonder what you're sniffing, there, big guy. If Russia cared about stability in the region they would put pressure on Iran to stop the nuclear escalation campaign they are on.

Sam Sixpack   July 6th, 2009 12:35 pm ET

This new "deal" will allow our children to be spread across Afghanistan thinner than ever and faster than ever. Four of our kids dead already today. This new "spread em' thin to win" campaign is going to kill a lot more. Please, please, complain often and loudly! Your kids' lives are going to depend on it.

Turnabout is Fair Play   July 6th, 2009 12:34 pm ET

RealityKing July 6th, 2009 12:03 pm ET

Meanwhile.., back in America, Obama's "light at the end of the tunnel" turns out to be a progressive train of spending that continues to cost millions of American's their livileyhoods.

DOW -66.50 -0.44%
8,214.24
---------------------

That's YOUR opinion and that's all it is, a neo-con's uneducated opinion, btw, the Dow's 8248.54 right now so what's the point of posting it?

Sniffit   July 6th, 2009 12:31 pm ET

@ RealityKing

Someday maybe you'll learn that the S&P 500 is a better measure of how the economy's health is effecting the vast majority of Americans and that minor daily fluctuations in the DOW are meaningless. BTW, the DOW is up about 150 over January 23, 2009 and that's after the recession caused it to fall below 7,000 during March. Just like all the experts predicted (at least the sane ones who weren't saying stupid things like "the market will magically fix itself"), we're going to be watching it roller-coaster for a while.

Kurt from Alberta   July 6th, 2009 12:29 pm ET

DaBird: "I glad he saved us some money to offset the trillions he is spending. I'm still waiting for all the Bush haters to tell me why Obama hasn't pulled us out of Iraq and Afghanistan. We just spent $1 billion building an embassy in Iraq that will employ 1100 people. We are not leaving Iraq. Obama lied to you."

Well, during the campaign Obama said that the number of troops in Afghanistan would be increased since that's the country harbouring the terrorist organization responsible for 9/11... unlike Iraq which had nothing to do with the attack.

As for the embassy, it was built by President Bush. I'm not sure anyone in their right mind would think that the United States wouldn't leave a diplomatic mission in Iraq. 1100 employees is probably close to standard (perhaps a bit higher considering security concerns). The United States has embassies in most countries in the world (and, you may be shocked to hear this, but other countries have embassies located in the United States).

Obama didn't lie about this. You just weren't listening to what he was saying.

Sharon Plainfield NJ   July 6th, 2009 12:28 pm ET

Can someone please tell me why for the last 8yrs nobody critizied Bush of his wrong doings and we are paying for it. Nobody said anything about his spending of 7billions dollars. Now since we have a Black man in office everything he does is in uproar or he gets blame for. Pres. Obama is doing the best he can and it will take awhile. You cannot cleanup 8yrs of mess in 5 or 6 mos. it is impossible. He not a miracle worker. The Republicans have yet come up with any solutions to the problems they created nor have any of the naysayers. I also noticed that some of Media refuse to say Pres. Obama they are saying Mr. Obama WHY???? The Media alway address Bush as Pres. Bush not Mr. Bush. What wrong with that picture?

panem et circenses   July 6th, 2009 12:27 pm ET

A "deal" means each side gets something. We get to save $133,000,000 a year out of the $2,900,000,000,000 that we spend each year – that's 3/4 of 1% of the annual budget.

What does Russia get?

citizenjane   July 6th, 2009 12:26 pm ET

@alvino: I am sure the right wing nuts are not going to be happy about this.
-------------------–

When have they ever been happy? The GOPs entire existence has always been to perpetuate misery. It's in their genes.

Redbeard   July 6th, 2009 12:25 pm ET

Hey, RR Florida:

How many drafts of that post did you write before you threw it up for public consideration? I ask because I've never seen someone use so many words to say absolutely nothing before.

Consider:

You claim that President Obama is a liar, and yet you provide no concrete examples of his falsehoods. Off the top of my head, I can name three campaign promises he's broken, but I can also name about twenty that our last administration dropped six months into its first terms as well. It's called being a politician–none of them are totally honest.

You claim that Russia lies. Fine, we know they do, but again, would you like to provide an example, or do you just want to spew as many inflammatory words as you can in the least amount of space? Evidence over venom, please. Nobody thinks Russia's got our best interests at heart in this deal, but saying, "Other nations are duplicitous in their dealings with us," is like saying, "mammals are warm-blooded."

You claim that Sarah Palin's greatness was masked by the media. Alright, show me her greatness. She's just announced her resignation as Governor of Alaska because she doesn't want to be a "lame duck," which more or less amounts to, "I quit because I won't be able to get stuff done, so thanks for voting for me, but I'm out of here." Yeah, the media sure made that decision for her, didn't they? Or how about her inability to answer simple questions on the campaign trail? Sure, some outlets may have set her up a couple of times, but they tried to do the same thing to President Obama–one candidate had the wherewithal to answer those "gotcha" questions, the other didn't–guess who I want representing me on the world stage?

I really don't give a toss if CNN prints this or not; the moderation of these comments isn't nearly as strict as some of you seem to think it is anyway–they print what best advances the conversation at hand, even if it is unfounded blather from the masses, so just take off your tinfoil hats and get on with your lives, please.

Tom   July 6th, 2009 12:25 pm ET

What is going on with the Michael Jackson autopsy? Isn't that more important that this drivel? Oh wait Gov Sanford had an affair thats more important than Iran killing its own. Oh Gov Palin just resigned, new news cycles that the American people can drool over instead of real domestic or geopolitical events like the disaster new stimulus package Al Franken will get to write with Princess Pelosi. Just wait for the spin when American firms change their domicile to India and Dubai. What will we see then the funeral of the Sainted Susan Sheridan and Maureen Dowd.

Sniffit   July 6th, 2009 12:23 pm ET

@ Barry, who asked "When is CNN going to start acting like a news organization rather than the house pr organ for the Obama administration?"

You're kidding, right? CNN, like all the other "news" stations out there, prints every single inane, irrational, crybaby criticism of Obama that makes it past the drool sliding out of the GOP's mouths and then treats it as though maybe it has merit...even the yammering about "socialism" that echoed McCarthy's 1950's witch hunts for political rivals. You should be thanking CNN and the rest for being more concerned about ad revenue than integrity...otherwise, the vast majority of GOPers out there wouldn't be getting any print whatsoever.

geecee   July 6th, 2009 12:22 pm ET

You GOP haters can't accept anything at face value, can you? There has to be something negative, nefarious or underhanded going on to make you guys happy. So sorry that no foreign government would even think about giving Bush/Cheney any cooperation because they were such bullies and chest thumping warmongers. Certainly, you are so very disappointed that President Obama is so well received by foreign dignitaries instead of laughed at like Bush was. Obama knows how to get things done without starting Wars, understand?

John   July 6th, 2009 12:21 pm ET

Whatever Obama does, Republicans criticize him. This in not constructive criticism, it is a sadist attitude.

Republican Party is Done, Gone, Finished.
Filibuster for us. The Duds and Incompetent have been Eliminated.
Freedom has Come to America.
We no more have Idiots Running our Country.
We have no more Criminals in White House.

Republican Party did nothing in last 8 years.
Now they are Speaking.
They need to just shut their loud mouths.
ALL TALK + NO DEEDS = REPUBLICAN PARTY.

rachel   July 6th, 2009 12:21 pm ET

My post disappears again, all I said was were was the coverage on Hillary when she met with russian officials, oh right all the press could do was focus on on a mispelled russian word, while Obama gets all the glory using Hillary's language of reset while he visits. It figures. Post

Fred in Louisiana   July 6th, 2009 12:20 pm ET

Candy West Virginia July 6th, 2009 11:41 am ET

Something that could never have been achieved under bush. Thank you President Obama for helping to restore relations around the world. You are an amazing President and this country does not deserve you.
--------------------------
You're right Candy! This country does not deserve him!

DaBird   July 6th, 2009 12:20 pm ET

I glad he saved us some money to offset the trillions he is spending. I'm still waiting for all the Bush haters to tell me why Obama hasn't pulled us out of Iraq and Afghanistan. We just spent $1 billion building an embassy in Iraq that will employ 1100 people. We are not leaving Iraq. Obama lied to you.

Sniffit   July 6th, 2009 12:19 pm ET

@ Jon in CA

Russia benefits as much as anyone and more from increased stability in the region, particulalry in light of the danger a decreasingly stable Pakistan represents as a result of the events in Afghanistan. Poland...ha...nice try...did you read that in some tea leaves left over from that insipid "teabagging" tantrum?

Pete   July 6th, 2009 12:18 pm ET

Sifto, I'm sorry that you have simply absorbed the Fox News talking points to the clip that you have. Believe it or not, Obama has often talked about the greatness of the United States (check out his Fourth of July message for an example of this). However, you seem to think that anything short of Obama running around the globe saying "we're better than you" or "you're with us or against us" is unacceptable.

Running around the globe screaming "USA USA USA We're NUMBER ONE" isn't diplomacy, and you lose more allies by adopting that as your only diplomatic strategy.

Fair is Fair   July 6th, 2009 12:13 pm ET

Everyone knows Putin is in charge in Russia.

Putin is ex-KGB. I don't care what any of you Obama worshippers say or think – the Prez gave up beaucoup to get this "deal" done. Exactly what he gave is up for conjecture – but I believe Jon in CA is on the right track. He thinks Poland... I firmly believe it's The Ukraine.

Hope you like bad music, Democrats... Putin just played Obama like a cheap fiddle.

Georgio   July 6th, 2009 12:12 pm ET

What can this President ever do to please his detractors?. Before going to Moscow all I heard from talking heads..that he must show strength, he is going to another apology tour, he is going to compromise the proposed missile to Eastern europe, he is doing too much......I wish people who are underestimating this President can give him credit ones in awhile!. Stay tune for the Health care debate..you will hear the same pundits saying this bill will not pass with Public option in it...when it passes the same group will move 'the goal post again!

Jimmy the Greek   July 6th, 2009 12:10 pm ET

LOL @ Obamabots!!

Do you REALLY think Obama "persuaded" Medvedev and Putin to give us access to Russian roads without a price???

You people mirror your messiah.... tools all of you, incapable of independent thought.

Maurice from Ontario   July 6th, 2009 12:10 pm ET

In this world that is becoming smaller and smaller, it is critical to be able to come to agreement with other sovereign nations, in spite of what the past relationship has been. We're not talking only about saving bundles of money for transportation of personnel and materiel to Afghanistan. We are talking about a lot more issues... broader issues, that bring two of the most powerful and influential nations together in endeavoring to do something proactive and aimed at creating greater peace. THAT is quite an achievement. ATTAWAY, Pres. Obama.

rkd   July 6th, 2009 12:07 pm ET

If we want to save money, lets get out altogether. This war is turning into another bottomless hole to pour money down. There's no real justification for being there, no plan for winning and no end in sight. I think we could enhance US security much more effictively by putting the money into taking care of our own house.

RealityKing   July 6th, 2009 12:03 pm ET

Meanwhile.., back in America, Obama's "light at the end of the tunnel" turns out to be a progressive train of spending that continues to cost millions of American's their livileyhoods.

DOW -66.50 -0.44%
8,214.24

POEMAN   July 6th, 2009 12:00 pm ET

It is nice to see what can happen when we use diplomacy rather than tough talk to get things done around the world. Nice work President Obama!

Bob in Pa   July 6th, 2009 11:59 am ET

What they didn't tell you here is how much BO gave up for such cooperation. My guess is instead of saving 133 million, it will have actually cost us much much more.

Mike,Texas   July 6th, 2009 11:58 am ET

Its amazing when you go from the dumbest President to one of the smartest Presidents,you see real leadership.

Enlightened Voter   July 6th, 2009 11:58 am ET

There is no other way this could be looked at as anything but positive. Peace is always good yet you rethugs found a way to turn something good into a negative. You guys could care less about this country as you've proven, you just feed off your hatred for the President. How sad you are. Remember though, what goes around comes around, hate always returns to the hater. It's called Karma.

barry in las vegas   July 6th, 2009 11:54 am ET

While this is good news – what did we have to give up to get this cooperation?

When is CNN going to start acting like a news organization rather than the house pr organ for the Obama administration?

sifto77   July 6th, 2009 11:53 am ET

again., Obama is apologizing for the US to the entire world–this time it is about our nuclear arms and how we must be an example. Does this man have anything good to say about the US? I am tired of him acting ashamed of the US and our greatness.

Laverne   July 6th, 2009 11:52 am ET

This agreement came about by talking to one another and each countries interest. Obama did not go there with a cowboys and indians attitude. He went with the intention of negotiating and compromises for the better interest of the US. Good job President Obama.

Todd   July 6th, 2009 11:47 am ET

Why didn't Cheney & his Administration accomplish this type of agreement? Per his puppet ("W"), he looked into Putin's eyes and saw his soul – Or was this another lie of Cheney & puppet?

Candy West Virginia   July 6th, 2009 11:41 am ET

Something that could never have been achieved under bush. Thank you President Obama for helping to restore relations around the world. You are an amazing President and this country does not deserve you.

ron   July 6th, 2009 11:39 am ET

I can hardly wait to read how the gop terrorist group makes this into a negative. They have been using Russia to scare the American people for years. The President can't make a deal, only republicans can make deals. So they will spin this as Obama being naive, even though this is bigger than anything Reagan ever did.

better than going it alone   July 6th, 2009 11:37 am ET

saving money, maybe, certainly a plus if we are

but there is a lot of baggage that comes with bringing Russia into anything

I wonder what was given up and I wonder if Russia's involvement stops with allowing weapons to pass through on their way to Afgan

so many ifs, whys and dangers, but some silver lining

Jon in CA   July 6th, 2009 11:37 am ET

Ok ... NOW do a little investigating and reporting on what Obama GAVE in return.

I already know what Russia wants and Obama will gladly give them: Poland.

Obama was months ago offering to squash Poland's request for missile defense.

Yeah – why should we care what a NATO ally who is all but defenseless against a bullying neighbor who a year ago invaded the province of Georgia????

Obama is a worthless community organizer promoted above his paygrade.

Jefe   July 6th, 2009 11:35 am ET

Yet another example of successful dipolomacy which folks on the extremist "Right" wing will ignore. Simply not enough death and failure for them to be happy.

Hugo   July 6th, 2009 11:31 am ET

Well I guess I've lived long enough to see it all now. I remember when we were supplying Osama Bin Laden with weapons and support to destroy the Russian military presence in Afghanistan, it was a real meat grinder. I guess those Soviet vets that served in Afghanistan are just about ready to puke now! I wonder if their fellow country men spit on them when they returned home? Funny how the world turns now isn't it?

John B. From New Hampshire   July 6th, 2009 11:29 am ET

this is HUGE! this will help is both strategically, and policy-wise with Russia. Not to mention the money we're saving on fuel! Kudos POTUS!!

Dutch/Bad Newz, VA   July 6th, 2009 11:25 am ET

We're actually going to be able to save money with the alternate transportation routes. The right will say that the President is sucking up to his counterparts when in actuality, this is diplomacy.

GI Joe   July 6th, 2009 11:18 am ET

We have the same military advisors that we've had for a long time, and it's amazing how much more gets done on the positive side since the Cowboy and Shooter have left and taken their war-mongering ways with them. Good for both countries.

alvino   July 6th, 2009 11:14 am ET

I am sure the right wing nuts are not going to be happy about this.

Pietro   July 6th, 2009 11:14 am ET

I think the Russians want a bit of revenge on Afghanistan, regardless of who does it.

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