Overview
- The documents quote Bush proposing that the United States and Russia shed Cold War remnants and recast relations under a comprehensive framework.
- Bush said the two countries did not threaten each other and argued that agreements on offensive and defensive arms, nonproliferation, and economic ties could set a global example.
- He stated the United States was not seeking nuclear superiority, called nuclear weapons obsolete for new threats, and pledged cuts to U.S. offensive forces to a level acceptable to Russia.
- Bush expressed deep thanks for Russia’s post‑9/11 counterterrorism assistance and urged reliable two‑way intelligence sharing without political games.
- The records cover a July 6, 2001 birthday call, Putin’s September 11 call, and an October 2001 meeting in Shanghai, reflecting a cordial tone as Bush called Putin “my friend” and invited him to use “George,” with arms talks unfolding as Washington moved to quit the 1972 ABM Treaty in 2002.