BRATISLAVA, Slovakia – In a surprisingly public rebuke of a man he has long called a friend, President Bush yesterday chastised President Putin for backsliding on democracy in Russia.

During what seemed to be a tense and uncomfortable joint press conference after a nearly three-hour meeting in Bratislava Castle, Mr. Bush said he told Mr. Putin that “democracies have certain things in common; they have a rule of law, and protection of minorities, a free press, and a viable political opposition.”

“I was able to share my concerns about Russia’s commitment in fulfilling these universal principles. I did so in a constructive and friendly way,” Mr. Bush said.

Mr. Putin retorted that America’s fears were unfounded, saying, “Russia has made its choice in favor of democracy. This is our final choice and there is no way back, there can be no return to what we used to have.”

Clearly frustrated by recurring questions over his democratic record, Mr. Putin said he did not think “new problems should be created from nothing,” and warned that disputes over democracy” must not be allowed to jeopardize the Russian-American relationship.”

The two leaders agreed yesterday to ensure that Iran and North Korea do not acquire nuclear weapons; to new efforts to safeguard nuclear materials; to a deal limiting the spread of shoulder fired missiles, and to help Russia join the World Trade Organization. They praised the agreements as proof that relations between Moscow and Washington remain strong.

The issue of Russian democracy vastly overshadowed the summit, the final stage of Mr. Bush’s fence-mending trip to Europe. The American president has been under increasing pressure both at home and abroad to address growing concerns that Mr. Putin’s Kremlin is becoming authoritarian. Critics accuse the Kremlin of backtracking on democracy by stifling the independent press, renationalizing the Russian oil giant Yukos, taking control of Parliament, and abolishing elections for regional governors. Human-rights groups also accuse Russian forces of carrying out widespread abuses in Chechnya, where the Kremlin is struggling with separatist rebels it accuses of links with international terrorists.

Mr. Bush said he had a frank discussion with Mr. Putin about his concerns.

“I can tell you what it’s like dealing with the man over the last four years. When he tells you something, he means it. He asked what some of my concerns were, and he explained answers,” Mr. Bush said. “I reaffirmed my belief that it is democracy and freedom that bring true security and prosperity in every land.” Mr. Putin said Russia is dedicated to maintaining international democratic standards. “We are not going to make up, to invent any kind of special Russian democracy,” he said. “We are going to commit to the fundamental principles that have been established in the world.”

Mr. Putin added that the principles of democracy should be “adequate to the current status of the development of Russia.” He said democracy “must not lead to the collapse of the state and the impoverishment of the people.” In a clear reference to Yukos, he also said that Russians who oppose his policies should not have special rights because they “are richer than those who are in favor.”

Russian officials bristle at accusations of democratic shortcomings, saying the West applies a double standard to Russia and that steps taken by America to restrict civil liberties, such as after the September 11, 2001, terror attacks, go unquestioned.

Challenged on American democracy by Russian journalists, Mr. Bush said: “I’m perfectly comfortable in telling you our country is one that safeguards human rights and human dignity, and we resolve our disputes in a peaceful way.”

Mr. Bush set the stage for his meeting with Mr. Putin during a speech earlier yesterday to more than 4,000 cheering Slovaks in a downtown Bratislava square. He praised Slovaks for the peaceful Velvet Revolution that toppled Communism in 1989, when the country was part of Czechoslovakia. He also thanked Slovakia for contributing troops to the American-led invasion of Iraq.

“Slovaks know the horror of tyranny, so you’re bringing the hope of freedom to people who have not known it,” he said to loud applause. “Your example is inspiring newly liberated people. You’re showing that a small nation, built on a big idea, can spread liberty throughout the world.”

Pointing to the recent peaceful revolutions in Ukraine and Georgia, Mr. Bush predicted that democracy would sweep through the ex-Soviet republics. He said upcoming elections in Moldova would be a test of democracy there, and that he hoped that one day even Belarus, called by some “the last dictatorship in Europe,” would embrace democracy.

“Eventually, the call of liberty comes to every mind and every soul. And one day, freedom’s promise will reach every people and every nation,” Mr. Bush said.

The speech seemed designed to rankle M. Putin, who has accused the West of orchestrating peaceful revolutions in Russia’s backyard in order to strip it of influence.