Russia's President Vladimir Putin has made more harsh comments about the Bush administration, accusing it of using what he calls a "nonexistent Russian threat" to get more defense spending from Congress.
Mr. Putin said during a visit to Jordan Tuesday that the administration has used the "Russian card" to address its political problems, including the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, and for the deployment of a missile defense system.
He said he only expressed what many other countries also believe, when he complained last week about what he described as the almost uncontained use of U.S. military force.
The White House called his remarks disappointing.
Last week, U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates spoke to a congressional committee and identified Russia as a potential threat.
Some information for this report was provided by AP and Reuters.