The U.S. Declassified Conversation Between Putin and Bush About NATO in 2001 0 23

The U.S. National Security Archive has declassified the transcript of the 2001 negotiations between Russian President Vladimir Putin and then U.S. President George W. Bush. The document reveals that during the conversation, Putin requested Russia's admission to NATO, stating that Moscow feels "excluded" from the alliance.

In response, Bush said he considers Russia part of the West and does not see it as an enemy. He also noted that in 50 years, China could pose a serious challenge to the world. According to the American president, Russia's interests are linked to the West, and the country itself should resemble it, including the rule of law, entrepreneurship, and freedom of the press.

Putin's Position and Reference to History

Putin emphasized that for Russia, it is important to be recognized as not an enemy. He pointed out that his country is European and multinational, just like the U.S. He stated that Bush's remark about the future in 50 years is significant, and he can envision Russia and the U.S. as allies.

The President of Russia also reminded that in 1954, the Soviet Union had already applied for NATO membership. Putin argued that the reasons for refusal stated by the alliance in the mid-20th century had been eliminated by the early 2000s. In this context, he suggested that Russia could become a member of NATO. "Perhaps Russia could be a member (of NATO)," Putin said literally.

Separately, Putin outlined his interpretation of the collapse of the Soviet Union. He expressed the opinion that it was the "goodwill" of the USSR that changed the world order, and Russia, according to him, voluntarily renounced "thousands of square kilometers" of territory. In this context, he mentioned Ukraine, Kazakhstan, and the Caucasus. Putin also stated that a significant part of Russian society, including the elites, feels "deceived" by the massive changes that, according to him, brought "more freedom than people can use."

Later Statements and the War Against Ukraine

In early October 2025, Putin stated at a Valdai Club meeting that Russia had attempted to join NATO twice - in 1954 and in 2000 - during U.S. President Bill Clinton's visit to Moscow. He did not mention the conversation with George W. Bush at that time.

In the same speech, Putin reiterated the thesis that the war against Ukraine could have been prevented if NATO had not approached Russia's borders and if Ukraine had maintained "real sovereignty." He used similar arguments in February 2022 when announcing the start of a full-scale invasion, claiming that one of its goals is to counter NATO's expansion.

After the start of the war between Russia and Ukraine, Finland and Sweden joined the alliance. As a result, the length of Russia's border with NATO increased more than twice - by approximately 1,300 kilometers. After Helsinki and Stockholm submitted their applications, Putin stated that Moscow does not see their accession to the alliance as a threat, noting: "If they want to, fine."