The US response to the Kremlin's hostile actions has often been too soft - Media.

Since 2000, when Vladimir Putin came to power, each negative action or failure to adhere to democratic norms by his regime has laid the groundwork for more aggressive violations in the future.

Presidents Clinton and Bush in the early 2000s often reacted too softly to the Kremlin's malicious actions. Putin gradually introduced a system of disinformation in Russia, and Clinton always assured him that his actions were being carefully analyzed. Ten months later, Bush stated that he had 'looked into Putin's soul' and saw a 'reliable' partner in him.

This attitude of American presidents reflected a constant interest in Washington to find a partner for cooperation even where none existed. Despite the fact that Putin was already what he is today. Political assassinations, restrictions on press freedom, and interference in elections defined the actions of the Kremlin in 2004 and 2024. The flattery of American officials highlighted the legitimacy and supported the authoritarian regime of the Kremlin.

In 2004, when Russia interfered in the presidential elections in Ukraine, the US tried to avoid criticizing the Kremlin. During a press conference, journalists asked about Moscow's role in attempting to undermine the elections, but Secretary of State Colin Powell stated that he had a 'good conversation' with Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov, as both were interested in finding a solution. Powell also noted that the US did not want to compete with the Russians.

'In the last year of his presidency, President Bush invited Putin to his family villa in Maine - such honor was in no way given to foreign leaders,' Kalandarov added.

The author believes that indifference to the growing authoritarianism in Moscow pushed the Kremlin to act even more aggressively and invade Ukraine. Despite years of flattery and calls for partnership, Putin decided to unleash aggression against Ukraine.

'The excessive kindness of Western countries towards Russia can be explained in retrospect. However, the recognition that the US and its allies displayed undeserved courtesy towards Russia must compel politicians to choose a different course,' Kalandarov concluded.