Declassified transcripts from 2001-2008 reveal that Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President George W. Bush shared significant concerns about Pakistan's nuclear stability and proliferation risks. Putin described Pakistan as a "junta with nuclear weapons," questioning why the West did not criticize its lack of democracy while possessing nuclear capabilities. Both leaders viewed Pakistan under Pervez Musharraf as a non-proliferation challenge, particularly regarding potential transfers to Iran and North Korea, despite a post-9/11 counter-terrorism partnership.