In 2009, President Obama cancelled U.S. plans to protect Eastern Europe from Russian aggression by deploying missile interceptors in Poland. Vladimir Putin praised this decision as "very right and brave." In 2012 shortly after Putin was elected president under a cloud of electoral fraud, Obama put his hand on the knee of the outgoing president, Dmitry Medvedev, and stated the following while unaware that a microphone was recording them: "On all these issues, but particularly missile defense, this can be solved but it's important for him [Putin] to give me space." Medvedev: "Yeah, I understand. I understand your message about space. Space for you." Obama: "This is my last election. After my election I have more flexibility." Medvedev: "I understand you. I transmit this information to Vladimir, and I stand with you."