The previously undisclosed conversation took place during a private meeting at the World Economic Forum in Davos in January, according to a report that will be published in The New York Times Magazine this weekend.
Clinton attended a private party hosted by Putin at the Sheraton and was welcomed by Putin as "our good friend" and toasted with vodka shots, the report said, citing Clinton. The two later retired to a private room, where they talked deep into the night.
On U.S. missile defense plans, Clinton said Putin told him, "Oh, we're going to work it out now."
Russia opposes U.S. plans to install elements of a missile defense system in Central Europe and has made it a key issue in negotiations over a successor to the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty, or START I, which expires in December.
Putin also stressed that Medvedev, his handpicked successor as president, was not just a puppet.
The news report said it appeared that Putin was trying to send messages to the U.S. administration through Clinton, whose wife, Hillary Clinton, is secretary of state.
A Message from The Moscow Times:
Dear readers,
We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.
We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.
Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.
By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.
Remind me later.