[kl_r]

> [..] but the US and its allies are the ones who wanted to encircle Russia by expanding NATO eastwards, even after they promised not to.

This is simply not correct, and even Gorbachev has confirmed this. There has never been any agreement stating that NATO is not allowed to accept new members in any particular direction. There were statements made by western politicians but never any pen to paper. The sovereign states that have joined NATO have not done so because of some US campaign or persuasion, but by their own free will. Your statement is indirectly saying that these countries are too dumb to decide for themselves, it's incredibly condescending.

[cudgy]

Why does it matter whether statements were made? It’s quite obvious to any objective observer that a large, powerful nation would perceive an enemy alliance expanding to its border would be perceived as a threat.

How would the US respond to an enemy alliance incorporating Mexico or Canada?

[justsomehnguy]

> There were statements made by western politicians but never any pen to paper

Thanks, you just confirmed that you shall never trust what America says till you have that in writing.

[ceceron]

Are you saying, you trust diplomats and politicians solely on their word? I'm happy, there are still so innocent people :)

[justsomehnguy]

How cute, blame the deceived for being deceived.

"Very American, very like!" - Borat