into fray -- with a surprisingly measured response to a candidate who has asked whether Putin will "bludgeon the countries of the former Soviet Union into submission, and intimidate Europe with the levers of its energy resources."
Asked by Russia's RT television whether he would be able to work with a President Romney, Putin smiled. "We'll work with whoever gets elected as president by the American people," he said. But he also tossed the ball in America's court, adding, "our effort will only be as efficient as our partners allow it to be."
