Putin says seeks NATO cooperation despite problems

BUCHAREST (Reuters) - President Vladimir Putin told NATO leaders on Friday Russia sees scope for better cooperation with the alliance but reiterated Moscow's objections to NATO enlargement, a source in the Russian delegation said.

"He cited many ... sectors where Russia and NATO could cooperate," the source said after Putin held his final talks with the Western military bloc before he steps down as president in May. "NATO's expansion is a problem for Russia."

NATO leaders holding a summit in Bucharest stopped short on Thursday of putting Ukraine and Georgia immediately on the path to membership of the alliance, but pledged that the two ex-Soviet states would one day become members.

(Reporting by Mark John; Editing by Timothy Heritage)