Russian politics was focused for too long on fixing past mistakes - fixing the mistakes made in the 1990s.

The political elite in Russia don't want domestic reform, they aren't ready for it. As such, they welcome an external threat. You have to remember that Russia rests on two national concepts: defense and sovereignty. We approach the question of security much more reverentially than other countries do.

American politicians have openly said that the sanctions are aimed at bringing about regime change in Russia. That's aggressive enough.

In Putin's world, and in mine, it is inconceivable that women be harassed and raped in public.

Russians aren't good at haggling, they aren't passionate about business. But they are outstanding fighters.

Russian politics was focused for too long on fixing past mistakes - fixing the mistakes made in the 1990s.

Some among the European elite have sought out confrontation with us. As a consequence, we won't help Europe, although we could do so when it comes to the refugee question. A joint closure of borders would be essential. In this regard, the Russians would be 10 times more effective than the Europeans.