Perhaps they were referring to NATO staying around after the Soviet Union collapsed even though it was promised it would be dissolved when the Warsaw Pact was? Or maybe they are referring to NATOs involvement in Egypt and other places in the mid-east? Or maybe they are referring to NATO's involvement in the Balkan conflict in the 90's? All of which was well outside of its charter. No wonder Putin is nervous and wants to ensure he has access to warm water and put a buffer between him and NATO. Can't say I blame him. Doesn't make it right, but his actions are predictable and justifiable based on NATO's actions.