Vladimir Putin, Russia's action man, who likes to break new ground at home and abroad, is also the sort to foster old friendships.

Shortly after revealing the machinations that would allow him to hang on to power when his second term as president expires next March, Putin celebrated by holding a private dinner in St Petersburg for three buddies with experience of life after office. France's Jacques Chirac, Germany's Gerhard Schröder and Italy's Silvio Berlusconi shared fireside notes.