This was a very different Putin Bush met in 2001. Putin had just been installed to power and hadn’t solidified his grip to it yet. Oil was cheap in 2001 so Russia was poor. Putin needed to make a good impression on the president of the most powerful country in the word and acted his little heart out.
OK, I won’t argue that, although I may not believe it. But now we’re back to square one. Who can you trust over there?
In the world, and on our own soil as of late, lies are truth, and truth are lies. On many subjects, it’s so easy to see the live action lies these days with the internet, unlike when one had to rely on “honest” news reporting ala Cronkite, Chancellor, Jennings, Nightline, etc.
We can only go by the history and actions that can be verified regarding Putin and those who share power there, and the history and actions of the EU/NATO and it’s players too.