In a short statement after the closed meeting, Bush said he offered a sympathetic ear without endorsing any specific criticisms, and promised only that he would deliver their “messages” to the Russian president.

Bush also reiterated his desire to remain “engaged” with the Putin government at a time when explosive developments in the Mideast are emerging as the focus of the summit.

Later, White House press secretary Tony Snow told reporters the administration is anxious that the leaders of the eight governments use the summit “to speak with one voice.”

Snow said there is “common agreement” that Hezbollah, the Lebanese militant group that has attacked Israeli interests, “cannot act independently of the government of Lebanon” and asserted that the group has imperiled “the people of Lebanon as well as the government.”

Bush wrapped up the day, which began in eastern Germany, with a private dinner with Putin, Putin's wife and first lady Laura Bush.

Recounting his exchanges with the activists, Bush said he told the group: “We believe in the universal values embedded in democracy. We believe in rule of law. We believe in human rights. We believe everybody has a right to be treated equally.”

But he also said that he has a “strategy” for dealing with Putin, whom he described as a “friend.”

“I explained to them that it's in the U.S. interest to remain engaged with Russia . . . and that the foreign policy of my administration will be to work with Russia to solve common problems, and, at the same time, be in a position where we can have a frank exchange of ideas and philosophies and views,” Bush said.

Meanwhile, the streets of this graceful city – regarded by Russians as a showcase of their history and culture – appeared free of the kinds of protests that have occurred during the most recent G-8 summits, including the one last year in Gleneagles, Scotland, that drew thousands of anti-globalization demonstrators.

The Associated Press reported that 200 protesters were detained by authorities who were upholding a government ban on anti-summit demonstrations. The ban does authorize a single site where demonstrators can gather, but that location is in a dilapidated sports stadium in a remote part of the city.

With the crisis in the Middle East and problems involving nuclear programs in North Korea and Iran likely to preoccupy the eight leaders, negotiators pressed to wrap up agreements that could be presented as summit accomplishments. The summit ends Monday.

The Kremlin and the United States have been haggling over an agreement that would allow Russia to join the World Trade Organization. U.S. objections to Russian policies on aircraft tariffs, banking regulations and intellectual property protections are the final bar to Russian membership in the 149-nation organization.

Snow held out the possibility of a breakthrough both in the WTO talks and also in discussions on how to overcome an impasse over a new global trade agreement, although he warned reporters against overemphasizing his remarks.