Vladimir Putin on NATO
Vladimir Putin holds a deeply critical and adversarial view of NATO, especially concerning its eastward expansion following the collapse of the Soviet Union.
Putin has repeatedly argued that NATO expansion fundamentally undermines Russian security, citing this as a key justification for his actions regarding Ukraine. While he characterizes Western concerns about Russia attacking the alliance as "nonsense," he links the current "escalating militarisation of Europe" directly to Russia's need to respond for its own security.
He draws a clear distinction between NATO generally and its involvement concerning Ukraine, asserting that allowing Ukraine to use long-range Western missiles against Russian territory would constitute direct participation by NATO countries in the war. Putin believes the current situation requires Russia to actively change the global order to counter perceived injustices.
Context
Vladimir Putin has maintained a consistent focus on NATO expansion as a foundational element of his foreign and security policy since becoming president. His narrative centers on Russia being repeatedly ignored by the West despite early overtures for partnership.
This opposition hardened significantly as former Warsaw Pact and Soviet bloc nations joined the alliance, which Putin views as an encroachment on Russia's historical sphere of influence. The prospect of Ukraine joining NATO became an increasingly sensitive point, culminating in his justification for the 2022 invasion.
Timeline
- In the early 2000s, Vladimir Putin discussed Russia's possible accession to NATO and pursued a partnership with the alliance, viewing Ukraine's potential EU membership positively.
- Stated that the decision on Ukraine joining NATO was up to NATO and Ukraine, and did not see it as something that should cloud Russia-Ukraine relations.
- Linked Russia's annexation of Crimea directly to concerns about NATO expansion, fearing Ukraine would be drawn into the alliance later if action was not taken.
- Expressed concern over the "deployment of NATO infrastructure" on Ukrainian territory.
- Days before the full-scale invasion, Putin declared the threat of Ukraine being accepted into NATO was ultimately a threat against Russia.
- Warned that allowing Ukraine to use long-range Western missiles to strike deep inside Russia would mean the 'direct participation' of NATO countries in the war.
Actions Taken
- Military AggressionOrdered the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, citing among other reasons the threat of Ukraine being accepted into NATO.
- Territorial ActionAnnexed Crimea, stating one logic was to prevent Ukraine from being drawn into NATO in the future.
Key Quotes
We told them this NATO expansion. don't do it it violates our security. still they did it is that just there is no justice here and we want to change that. and will achieve. it.
If we are comfortable being at war with the whole Nato bloc, but we're a paper tiger, then what is Nato?
They can't believe what they're saying, that Russia is going to attack Nato? They're either incredibly incompetent if they truly believe it, because it's impossible to believe this nonsense, or they're simply dishonest.
Sources5
Putin dismisses fears that Moscow plans to attack Nato as 'nonsense'
* This is not an exhaustive list of sources.