MOSCOW, Dec. 4  -- Prime Minister Vladimir Putin said Thursday that he expects better relations between Russia and the United States when Barack Obama becomes president.

Putin took questions from the public during a three-hour session that was broadcast on radio and television, his first such appearance since he became prime minister, the RIA Novosti news agency reported..

He said Obama appears to be less enthusiastic about a proposed missile defense shield in Poland and the Czech Republic than the Bush administration. Obama has said he would only support the shield if it is shown to be effective.

Putin also said that he does not believe Russia needs permanent military bases in Cuba or Venezuela. He called the recent joint naval maneuvers with Venezuela a success.

President Dmitry Medvedev visited the two countries, meeting with Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez and with Fidel and Raul Castro in Cuba. The U. S. government generally ignored the Russian foray into its backyard. (UPI)