Of course, my views developed in the course of time. But I have always believed in what I did and never acted against my conscience.

Our government declared that it is conducting some kind of great reforms. In reality, no real reforms were begun and no one at any point has declared a coherent programme.

As for Europe, its claims towards Russia are fairly transparently based on fears about energy, unjustified fears at that.

An opposition is necessary and desirable for the healthy development of any country. You can scarcely find anyone in opposition, except for the communists, just like in Yeltsin's times. It is regrettable that there is still no constructive, clear and large-scale opposition in Russia. The growth and development of an opposition, as well as the maturing of other democratic institutions, will take more time and experience.

One should not ascribe the evil deeds of individual leaders or political regimes to an innate fault of the Russian people and their country.

You must understand, the leading Bolsheviks who took over Russia were not Russians. They hated Russians. They hated Christians. Driven by ethnic hatred they tortured and slaughtered millions of Russians without a shred of human remorse. It cannot be overstated. Bolshevism committed the greatest human slaughter of all time. The fact that most of the world is ignorant and uncaring about this enormous crime is proof that the global media is in the hands of the perpetrators.

Only those who decline to scramble up the career ladder are interesting as human beings. Nothing is more boring than a man with a career.