Oh, how hard it is to part with power! This one has to understand.

... a man can safely sacrifice a great deal as long as he clings to the essential.

Bless you, prison, for having been in my life!

Violence can only be concealed by a lie, and the lie can only be maintained by violence.

A storm breaks trees. It only bends grass.

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.