The failure of Dmitry Medvedev, the Russian president, and Gordon Brown, Britain’s prime minister, to settle their differences at their meeting in Japan this week comes as little surprise.

Mr Medvedev took power presenting himself as both a follower of his tough predecessor, Vladimir Putin, and a new broom in the Kremlin. With his conciliatory tone and emphasis on the rule of law, he gave the impression he might promote chances for improving Russia’s strained ties with the west, not least Britain. The leadership change fostered modest hopes that while overall Russian policy would remain unchanged – especially in its self-assertion drive – the approach might be a bit more conciliatory.