After the collapse of the Soviet Union, the United States did not give up suppressing Russia, as evidenced by the existence of NATO and its continuous expansion of Russia. However, in the face of such a situation, Russia had unrealistic illusions about the United States and even discussed the possibility of joining NATO. Putin also had hopes for the United States to become a member of the West. However, reality brutally proved his naivety, and the United States did not appreciate it.
Putin reflected on himself in a live broadcast in which he admitted that he was too gullible in his so-called "partners." The "partners" here refer to the United States and the West. In fact, Putin is not on the wrong side, and Russia is also used to calling the West a partner, but now Putin is calling it a "so-called partner", which shows that Russia has seen the true face of the West. At that time, Putin was full of illusions about the United States, but the West always regarded Russia as an enemy and was unwilling to truly accept Russia. In the process, Russia has paid a huge price for being too gullible in trusting the United States and the West.
Russia had reached out to the United States before and after 9/11, but it was betrayed by the United States. According to George Bibie, a former senior analyst at the CIA, a few days before the "9/11" incident, Putin issued an early warning to Bush Jr., then the United States. In the aftermath of the incident, Russia not only presented the 9/11 memorial but also allowed the United States to establish military bases in Central Asia to cooperate with the United States' actions. However, the reality is that the United States did not appreciate it, but instead adopted a repressive attitude towards Russia.
After the outbreak of the conflict in Ukraine, the unfriendly actions of the United States have been further highlighted. Bayon** erased Putin's name from the 9/11 memorial presented by Russia to show support for Ukraine. This can't help but make people sigh that Russia was once so kind to help the United States and was a member of the G8, but it was betrayed at a critical moment.
In addition to being deceived by the United States, Putin has also been gullible about Europe, but has also paid a price. Former German Chancellor Angela Merkel admitted in the conflict in Ukraine that the purpose of mediating the signing of the Minsk agreement between Russia and Ukraine was to help Ukraine delay time, freeze the war, and buy time to arm Ukraine. Merkel's recognition as the leader of a major European power with close ties to Putin is shocking. Although Russia may win this conflict, it has also come at a significant cost.
Through this conflict, Russia has thoroughly seen the true face of the West. The West has never really accepted Russia, seeing it as an enemy. Perhaps this is predestined, Russia has the largest nuclear arsenal in the world, which is unacceptable to the United States. Therefore, no matter how much goodwill Russia releases, it will not be able to exchange the sincerity of the United States, unless Russia gives up all nuclear **.
Through Putin's reflections and a deep analysis of Russia's relations with the West, some conclusions can be drawn. First of all, it is unrealistic for Russia to have illusions about the West, neither the United States nor Europe really accepts Russia. Second, the continued repressive attitude of Western countries towards Russia shows their intentions, and no matter how much Russia shows good intentions, it will not be able to change this situation. Finally, for Russia, it is important to keep a clear head when dealing with the West and not to be too gullible. Only by soberly recognizing the true face of the West can Russia better protect its own interests.
In the international political arena, the rule of the law of the jungle has never changed, and every country must think about its own interests. For Russia, it is essential to protect its nuclear power, which is the key to Russia's independence and dignity. Russia needs to learn from historical experience, strengthen its own strength, and improve its international standing in order to meet the challenges of the West.
Finally, each of us should learn from Putin's reflections. In reality, we may encounter all kinds of deception and betrayal, but it is important to be able to recognize reality, keep a clear head, and not be deceived by false illusions. Only in this way can we maintain our position and dignity in this complex and ever-changing world.