U.S. President George Bush, left, speaks with his Czech counterpart Vaclav Klaus as they inspect the guard of honor today at Prague Castle in the Czech Republic. The presidents defended a plan to install U.S. missiles in the Czech Republic, a proposal Russia strongly opposes.

PRAGUE, Czech Republic — President Bush and the Czech Republic's leaders today defended plans to base part of a U.S. missile shield here despite fierce opposition from Russia.

"The people of the Czech Republic don't have to choose between being a friend of the United States or a friend with Russia," Bush said in his stop at this former Soviet satellite. "You can be both. We don't believe in a zero-sum world."

Bush, in the Czech Republic as part of an eight-day trip to Europe, spoke as Russia's opposition to the proposed defense system mounts. Russia believes the shield in Eastern Europe is meant for it, and says it has no choice to boost its own military potential in response.

Bush dismissed those concerns. He said he will make his case directly to Russian President Vladimir Putin later this week on the sidelines of the Group of Eight summit.

The Czech president, Vaclav Klaus, said it was significant that Bush promised to make "maximum efforts" to explain his position to Putin.

"We have pointed it out to our guest that it is very important that we win maximum support for this project of the Czech Republic," Klaus said.

Most Czechs aren't happy about the proposal for a U.S. anti-missile radar base at a military zone southwest of the capital. Polls here show more than 60 percent in opposition.