Vladimir Pozner: How The United States Created Vladimir Putin May 2026

U.S.-led interventions in Yugoslavia and Kosovo, which occurred without Russian consent and were seen as a lack of respect for Russian interests.

Pozner warns that current relations are more dangerous than the original Cold War because the traditional fear of has diminished, increasing the risk of an accidental strike. To de-escalate, he suggests: The enlargement of NATO into former Soviet satellite

Pozner critiques mainstream American media for portraying Putin as a "Hitler-like enemy," which he believes mirrors the state-controlled media in Russia. He argues this "propaganda war" fuels grassroots anti-Americanism in Russia that did not exist during the original Cold War. Key Historical Turning Points U.S.-led interventions in Yugoslavia and Kosovo

A public statement from NATO acknowledging that Ukraine would not be admitted for a long period (e.g., 100 years) to ease Russian security concerns. The enlargement of NATO into former Soviet satellite

Pozner breaks his argument into two primary categories: political strategy and media representation.

The enlargement of NATO into former Soviet satellite states, which Russia views as an existential threat.