At the same time we receive different signals all around that in fact, everything is fine. The same situation occurred with the previous administrations during the election campaigns, claims that everything will be restored later. I do not think it matches the level of responsibility shouldered by the United States. I suppose it should be more sound, calm and balanced.

Russia has not taken part and is not going to take part in any actions aimed at removing legitimate government.

I wish that in the course of my visit to places the Prime Minister [Shindzo Abe] calls home, all of a sudden, we would reach a clear understanding on how we can resolve the matters. We will be very glad if that happens. Are there any chances? Perhaps.

There are many other areas. And I am confident that each of them is of interest to both the people of the United States of America and the Russian people.

Things are different in the international relations between states. In this respect, I am neither a friend, nor bride or groom [of the West].

We should all be aware of the fact that when revolutionary - not evolutionary - changes come, things can get even worse. The intelligentsia should be aware of this. And it is the intelligentsia specifically that should keep this in mind and prevent society from radical steps and revolutions of all kinds. We've had enough of it. We've seen so many revolutions and wars. We need decades of calm and harmonious development.

I'd rather not deal with such questions, because anyway it's like shearing a pig - lots of screams but little wool.