Russia, NATO agree on Afghan supply route

BUCHAREST, Romania, April 4 (UPI) -- NATO and Russian officials have agreed to allow non-lethal military equipment and food shipments headed for Afghanistan to be shipped through Russia.

The alliance had hoped Russia would allow troops and munitions to cross its territory but said the agreement reached during the NATO summit in Bucharest, Romania, the Financial Times reported Friday. However, NATO officials said the agreement was a move toward Russian cooperation, which they said they sought.

The agreement came as NATO leaders and Russian President Vladimir Putin began meetings both sides said they hope would help set the stage for cooperation with the next Kremlin leader.

Also Friday, U.S. President George Bush headed to the Russian resort of Sochi for weekend talks with Putin. U.S. officials said Bush would push efforts to bring Russia into the European missile defense system, which NATO endorsed Thursday.