Overview
- Speaking at the Valdai Discussion Club in Sochi on October 2, Vladimir Putin said Moscow pursued NATO entry on two occasions and was turned away.
- He cited an initial approach in 1954 during the Soviet era and a second discussion during Bill Clinton’s visit to Moscow, which he placed in 2000.
- Putin said Clinton told him the concept was possible before later relaying, after consulting advisers, that it was not realistic.
- He described the responses as refusals delivered "from the threshold," presenting them as immediate dismissals.
- Putin framed the outreach as an effort to end bloc confrontation and build a shared security space that he says Western leaders declined.