Barack Obama, Vladimir Putin / (Creative Commons)

“Following a careful review begun in July, we have reached the conclusion that there is not enough recent progress in our bilateral agenda with Russia to hold a U.S.-Russia Summit in early September,” White House press secretary Jay Carney said in a statement.

Obama will still attend a G20 summit in St. Petersburg, but will not meet the Russian president in a one-on-one meeting. The decision comes after Russia granted temporary asylum to former US spy agency contractor Edward Snowden, who disclosed secret NSA internet and telephone surveillance programs back in June. 

SEE ALSO: US Files Criminal Charges Against Edward Snowden

Obama expressed disappointment at Russia’s announcement to not extradite Snowden to the U.S, where he faces criminal charges, including espionage. “Even though we don’t have an extradition treaty with them, traditionally we have tried to respect if there’s a law breaker or alleged law breaker in their country, we evaluate it, and we try to work with them,” Obama said.  

A Washington Post-ABC News poll last month found most Americans, 56 percent, opposed Obama cancelling his entire visit in the event Russia helped Snowden avoid facing charges in the U.S, while 37 percent said he should.

In addition to the Snowden issues, missile defense systems and the civil war in Syria have caused mounting tensions between the two countries. 

SEE ALSO: Snowden Continues To Stump U.S. Government

Reach Executive Producer Syuzanna Petrosyan here. Follow her on Twitter.