The foreign policy of Vladimir Putin concerns the policies of Russia's president Vladimir Putin with respect to other nations. He held office from 2000 to 2008, and assumed power again in 2012. As of late 2013, Russia–United States relations were at a low point. The United States canceled a summit (for the first time since 1960), after Putin gave asylum to Edward Snowden. Washington regarded Russia as obstructionist and a spoiler regarding Syria, Iran, Cuba and Venezuela. In turn, those nations look to Russia for protection against the United States. Western Europe needs Russian gas, but is worried about interference in the affairs of Eastern Europe. Expansion of NATO into Eastern Europe conflicts with Russian interests.