The face of Vladimir Putin said it all. Normally, Russia's president is one of the most accomplished media performers on the world stage, dominating summits with his informed and acerbic press conferences. Yesterday, however, his discomfort was there for all to see.

Sharing a podium with the European Union's top officials and a clutch of Nordic prime ministers, Mr Putin grimaced and cast his eyes to the ceiling. Advisers said he had a cold.