And though Mr Putin has made it clear more than once that military reform is a top priority, there is no sign of any new ideas on how to achieve this.

ECONOMIST: Putin’s one-man show continues | The

"Anyone who claims to be placing a priority on good management practice" should be rushing to sign up, he said.

WSJ: Both sides agree on tough new fracking standards

But a position that says we want tax cuts for the wealthiest Americans and that is our number-one priority is not a position that the President could ever sign on to.

WHITEHOUSE: Press Briefing by Press Secretary Jay Carney,