The United States became arrogant and confident after the fall of the Soviet Union, and this resulted in NATO’s expansion to the east, says Mikhail Gorbachev.
The last leader of the Soviet Union was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1990 for his contribution to ending the Cold War. Barely a year later, the union was history, and on Christmas Day 30 years ago, he resigned as president.
In an interview with the Russian news agency RIA Novosti, Gorbachev recalls what happened, and the triumphant mood the events triggered in the West, especially in the United States.
– They became arrogant and confident, they proclaimed victory in the Cold War, says the 90-year-old former Soviet leader.
Gorbachev believes that Moscow and Washington were together to end the nuclear race and contribute to world relaxation.
– But the “winners” decided to build a new empire. From there came the idea of NATO enlargement, he says.
President Vladimir Putin is now demanding guarantees that NATO will halt expansion in Eastern Europe, and next month Russia and the United States are expected to sit down at the negotiating table.
Gorbachev hopes Putin wins with his demand.
– I hope that it will be the result, he says.
(©NTB)
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