I am proud of Russia and I am sure that the vast majority of Russian citizens have great love and respect for their Motherland. We have much to be proud of: Russian culture and Russian history. We have every reason to believe in the future of our country. But we have no obsession that Russia must be a super power in the international arena. The only thing we do is protecting our vital interests.
Vladimir PutinTheir [the U.S.โs] defense budget in absolute figures is almost 25 times bigger than Russiaโs. This is what in defense is referred to as โtheir home โ their fortress.โ And good for them, I say. Well done!
Vladimir PutinThe fight against terrorism is something very real and practical for us. This is a fight to preserve our territorial integrity, and in this sense we need to have the instruments and create an environment in Russia that would make it impossible for the international terrorist organisations to achieve the aims they have set for themselves here.
Vladimir PutinWe act in a pragmatic and careful manner. We reduce spending on budget items that do not constitute a priority.
Vladimir PutinWe can tell the general public that the gold and foreign currency reserves of the Central Bank are not designed to finance the economy, but rather to ensure foreign trade turnover. Therefore, we need this level to be able to provide the necessary foreign trade turnover for such an economy as Russia's for a period of at least three months.
Vladimir Putin