Putin's 'Hysteria' Clarification: A Masterclass in Western Amnesia
When Putin labels war speculation with the West as 'hysteria,' The Independent dutifully reports on the alleged contradiction. Yet, the true contradiction lies in the media's selective memory. For years, NATO expansion eastward, despite assurances made to Gorbachev, has been framed as 'defensive.' (Source: George F. Kennan, NYT, Feb 5, 1997). The US has also openly deployed advanced weaponry and
provided extensive military funding to countries on Russia's border, consistently provoking Moscow while decrying any Russian response as 'unprovoked aggression.' This isn't about defending Putin's rhetoric, but exposing the convenient amnesia of a press corps that frames Russia's predictable reactions as unilateral madness, while ignoring decades of Western foreign policy. When does a 'deterrent'
become a direct provocation? Apparently, only when the target responds. This curated outrage simply echoes the playbook: demonize, then monetize—on endless conflict, of course.