Russia, EU leaders meet for Brussels summit
Russian President Vladimir Putin has met with European Union
leaders in Brussels for a summit expected to yield more clashes
than breakthroughs, Radio Liberty reported.
At the start of their meeting on Friday, European Council President
Herman Van Rompuy called Russia a "strategic" and "indispensable"
partner.
Energy was expected set to dominate the talks.
EU energy market regulations intended to boost competition have
angered Russia, which sees them as discriminatory against Gazprom,
its state-controlled gas monopoly.
Trade disputes will also be high on the agenda along with
negotiations on visa-free travel for Russians in EU countries.
Russian and EU leaders are expected to spar over the conflict in
Syria.
EU officials may also use the summit to criticize Kremlin's moves
against political opposition.