A testy exchange between US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov was relayed to reporters outside a closed-door meeting today because officials forgot to turn off an audio feed.
The spat exposed tensions in US-Russia ties and gave an insight into how the two interact away from the world's cameras.
The audio relay exposed two of the world's most senior officials bickering and exchanging sarcastic remarks.
The discussion between Ms Rice and Mr Lavrov dominated foreign ministers' talks over lunch at today's Group of Eight (G8) meeting aimed at hammering out a wording for a joint communique on Iraq.
Ms Rice objected to Mr Lavrov inserting words saying that security for foreign missions should be beefed up in Iraq after Russian embassy workers were killed this month. She also complained there was no reference to an international aid accord for Iraq.
She said Mr Lavrov's proposed language implied foreign interference with, rather than support for, the Iraqi government.
"I did not suggest this," Mr Lavrov interjected. "What I did say was not 'involvement in the political process' but the 'involvement of the international community in support of the political process'."
"What does that mean?" Rice asked.
After a long pause, Mr Lavrov said: "I think you understand."
"No, I don't," Ms Rice said.
After more quibbling, Ms Rice conceded the concept of a US-proposed international agreement to provide aid for Iraq's economic policies would be omitted from the communique.
"It's a pity, that we can't endorse something that's been endorsed by the Iraqis and the UN," she said. "But if that's how Russia sees it, that's fine."
In the end, other foreign ministers persuaded the two diplomats to compromise on both areas of disagreement.
The official communique artfully mentioned the need in Iraq for improved security without specifying diplomats' safety and, while not endorsing the idea, it urged an international response to Iraq's call for an aid agreement.
The 20-minute exchange in English over just a few words showed how painstakingly the world's senior diplomats can discuss details. But it but also revealed the tense relationship between the governments.
The United States has particularly irked Russia with accusations that Moscow curbs media and non-governmental groups; and has skewed the rule of law in the energy sector.
At a news conference after the G8 meeting, the tone from Ms Rice and Mr Lavrov was more measured than behind closed doors but they continued to joust.
Ms Rice reiterated the US's long-standing concerns but said Russia's democracy had come a long way since her first visit to Moscow in 1979.
Mr Lavrov retorted that he had seen changes in America since his first visit there the same year.
Ms Rice shot back: "So when did you go and where did you go in the United States in 1979 that you saw so much change? I am really interested."