WASHINGTON (AP) - The White House on Thursday cheered Russian President Vladimir Putin's proposal for developing a missile defense system.

Russian officials revealed a few details of the plan Wednesday during NATO Secretary-General Lord Robertson's visit to Moscow. The plan involves creating a Europe-based system to counter short- and medium-range missiles, with a joint assessment of risks and the deployment of small, mobile anti-missile defenses as a last resort.

``I think the president was pleased to see the Russians indicate a level of support for a national missile defense concept,'' White House spokesman Ari Fleischer said Thursday.

He said U.S. officials would look at the specifics of the Russian proposal, and Bush would proceed with his own plans for a missile defense system.

Robertson was noncommittal about Russia's plans, but said Putin's proposal demonstrated that Russia shares Western concerns about the threats posed by the proliferation of missile technology.

Russia has steadfastly opposed U.S. proposals for a missile defense, contending it violates the 1972 Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty.