Russia is considering restoring military bases in Vietnam and Cuba, Cold War flashpoints and lasting symbols of the enmity between the US and Soviet Union.

Nikolai Pankov, the Russian defence minister, said Moscow was "rethinking" the decision to close the bases, according to Russian news agencies.

Dmitry Peskov, a Kremlin spokesman, said it was "very appropriate" for Russia to consider restoring the bases.

"It's quite natural that all countries assess these changes in line with their national interests and take certain steps in the way they consider appropriate," he said.