If US President George W. Bush hoped fresh lobster and scenic boat rides will sway Russia?s Vladimir Putin, he found out yesterday when they try to mend relations now at a post-Cold War low.

The leaders held talks at the end of Putin?s overnight visit to the Bush family?s New England estate in a bid to find common ground on thorny issues, such as a planned US missile shield and how to deal with Iran?s nuclear defiance.

Both sides advised against expecting breakthroughs.

Instead, they portrayed the meeting on the rugged Maine coast as a chance for Bush and Putin to revive the rapport they once enjoyed and to salvage US-Russia ties that have frayed badly as both near the final stages of their presidencies.

Bush?s invitation to his family?s century-old Kennebunkport compound was seen by analysts as a sign that Washington is serious about trying to get the relationship back on track.

Townspeople have dubbed it the ?lobster summit.?