The USA have released transcripts of talks between Putin and Bush: Ukrainian objections published as early as 2001.

According to ТСН: The USA have published the transcripts of the talks between Russian leader Vladimir Putin and President George Bush that took place in 2001 and 2008. These documents prove that objections to Ukrainian statehood were part of the Kremlin's perspective long before the onset of the large-scale war.

The spokesperson for the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry, Georgiy Tikhiy, emphasized that these materials once again refute the Kremlin's narrative that the war against Ukraine is a consequence of the Revolution of Dignity or 'the West's mistakes.'

"Putin denied Ukraine's right to exist in 2001. 21 years before the full-scale invasion. The main reason has always been and remains the imperialist growth in the minds of Russians," he wrote.

“Artificial State”: What Putin Said in 2001

As early as 24 years ago, at the beginning of his rule, Putin tried to convince the American president that Ukraine is not a full-fledged state. During the conversation, he stated that Ukraine's accession to NATO could lead to conflict.

When George Bush asked "why," Putin cited a number of pseudo-historical theses that later became the basis for Russian war ideology. He referred to Ukraine as a "artificially created complex state" and denied the existence of the Ukrainian nation.

The dictator's arguments revolved around the idea that Ukraine was allegedly "composed of parts from other countries":

• Western regions – allegedly ceded by Poland, Romania, and Hungary after World War II.

• Eastern territories – allegedly transferred by Russia in the 1920s and 1930s.

• Crimea – transferred in 1956.

Putin also claimed that a third of the population of Ukraine are Russians, frightening Washington by suggesting that Ukrainians perceive NATO as a hostile alliance.

Threats from 2008

In 2008, the Kremlin's rhetoric did not change but became more aggressive. During another meeting with Bush, Putin repeated the theses about the "artificiality" of Ukraine and predicted its division. His statements included a direct threat.

"Russia will work to prevent NATO's expansion. Russia will constantly create problems here," the dictator declared, effectively announcing the upcoming hybrid and comprehensive aggression.

In particular, it became known that Putin asked Bush about the possibility of Russia joining NATO. These actions emphasize that the Kremlin has been trying from the very beginning to influence European security and create stereotypes that would justify future aggression.

The release of these documents not only underscores the historical context but also allows for a better understanding of the logic of Russian policy towards Ukraine. Putin's words from twenty years ago turned out to be prophetic, as their consequences confirm the current security challenges in Europe.