Let's recall Bosnia in 1995. As we know well, the European peacekeeping contingent, represented by the Dutch troops, did not want to get involved with one of the attacking sides, and allowed it to destroy a whole village. Hundreds of people were killed or injured. The tragedy in Srebrenica is well known in Europe.
Vladimir PutinI think every person should have some faith inside him, in his heart. What matters is not an external display of this faith, but the inner state of the soul.
Vladimir PutinAs for the President-elect [Donald Trump], he has his own views on things, and this is also fairly natural.
Vladimir PutinAt no time in the past, now or in the future has or will Russia take any part in actions aimed at overthrowing the legitimate government. I'm talking about something else right now - when someone does this, the outcome is very negative. Libya's state is disintegrated, Iraq's territory is flooded with terrorists, it looks like the scenario will be the same for Syria, and you know what the situation is in Afghanistan.
Vladimir PutinDo you think that it is possible to have a dialogue with the representatives of Lugansk and Donetsk if they all are being prosecuted and subject to criminal proceedings? That is exactly why the Minsk Agreements establish to adopt an amnesty law. However, it has not been adopted.
Vladimir PutinI'll be honest, I felt an urge to squeeze him like a kitten and that led to the gesture I made. There was nothing behind it really.
Vladimir PutinThere is no need for the Russian state to hold such large stakes and we do intend to put our plans into practice. It is not about whether we want it or not, it is about this being practical or not and the best timing. In general, it is practical from at least one point of view - from the point of view of structural changes in the economy.
Vladimir Putin