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NATO's Eastward Expansion Is Vladimir Putin Right?

Vladimir Putin insists that the West cheated Russia by expanding NATO eastward following the end of the Cold War. Is there anything to his claims? The short answer is: Actually, yes.
U.S. troops during a military exercise in Bavaria. The issue of NATO expansion has poisoned the relationship between the West and Moscow in recent decades.

U.S. troops during a military exercise in Bavaria. The issue of NATO expansion has poisoned the relationship between the West and Moscow in recent decades.

Foto: Armin Weigel / dpa
DER SPIEGEL 7/2022
SPIEGEL International
Boris Yeltsin with Bill Clinton in 1997: He agreed to NATO's eastern expansion in 1997, but complained the West had forced him into it.

Boris Yeltsin with Bill Clinton in 1997: He agreed to NATO's eastern expansion in 1997, but complained the West had forced him into it.

Foto: Heikki Saukkomaa / AP