Newly released documents show Putin sought Russia’s accession to NATO during Bush presidency
A declassified transcript released by the U.S. National Security Archive reveals that in 2001, Russian President Vladimir Putin asked his American counterpart, George W. Bush, to consider Russia's entry into NATO.
Putin reportedly stated that Moscow felt "marginalized" from the alliance.
According to the document, Bush responded that he viewed Russia as part of the West rather than an adversary. He emphasized that Moscow’s interests were linked to the Western world and suggested Russia move closer to the Western model, specifically regarding the rule of law, market economy, and press freedom.
The China factor and historical claims
During the dialogue, the American leader noted that China could represent a significant long-term risk to global security. Putin insisted it was essential for Russia to be recognized as a non-enemy, recalling that the Soviet Union had applied for NATO membership as early as 1954.
The Kremlin leader argued that the reasons for the previous refusal were no longer valid in the early 2000s and explicitly stated that Russia "could become a member" of the alliance. He also presented his interpretation of the USSR's collapse, claiming Russia had "voluntarily surrendered" vast territories.
Contrasting current Kremlin rhetoric
The emergence of this document coincides with recent statements where Putin mentioned the 1954 and 2000 attempts to join NATO, yet omitted the specific discussion with George W. Bush. Meanwhile, the Kremlin continues to justify the war in Ukraine by citing NATO's eastward expansion.
Following the invasion of Ukraine, Finland and Sweden joined the alliance, extending Russia’s border with NATO by approximately 1,300 kilometers. Putin previously commented that Moscow does not view the accession of these Nordic states as a threat, calling it "their choice."
Translation by Iurie Tataru
