Russian politician Vladimir Putin. Photo: wiki commons.

Fox News – WASHINGTON –  The White House says Russian President Vladimir Putin is skipping a planned visit to the United States this month for an economic summit and a much-anticipated meeting with President Barack Obama.

The White House says Obama and Putin spoke by phone Wednesday. The Russian leader told Obama that he needs to finish work setting up his new Cabinet. Putin took power this month, returning after six years to a post he had previously held.