In this episode of The European View Podcast host Sara Pini is joined by Andris Banka to delve into a lesser-known chapter of Vladimir #Putin's early 2000s leadership. Drawing on newly declassified U.S. diplomatic cables and other historical records, Banka sheds light on Putin's unexpected stance towards NATO’s Eastern expansion during that time—revealing a side of the Russian leader many have overlooked. 🔍 Tune in to discover what shifted between those years and his later, more confrontational stance. We also explore the implications for the Baltics, NATO’s evolving strategy, and the region’s security dynamics in the face of recent geopolitical changes.