Declassified dialogue between Putin and Bush: Russia wanted to join NATO in 2001.

According to ТСН: In 2001, Russian President Vladimir Putin asked then US President George Bush about the possibility of Russia joining NATO. Bush responded to his question 'very cautiously.'

This dialogue has recently come to light thanks to released recordings. Putin noted:

'Your words about the future in 50 years are important. Russia is a European and multi-ethnic country, just like the United States. I can imagine that we will become allies.'

He further added that 'only a sharp necessity' could prompt the US and Russia to unite with other states. Putin also expressed concern that Russia feels excluded from NATO:

'If Russia is not part of this, of course, it feels excluded. Why is NATO expansion necessary? In 1954, the Soviet Union applied to join NATO. I have this document.'

To his words, Bush replied that it was

'interesting.'

It is also worth noting that the spokesman for the Russian president, Dmitry Peskov, commented on the information from American intelligence about Putin's intentions to regain control of the territories of the former USSR.

This conversation between Putin and Bush reflects historical attempts by Russia to integrate into Western structures, which had gained new relevance at that time. Given the current situation in international relations, these memories highlight how much the geopolitical map of the world and relations between Russia and NATO have changed over the last two decades.