I insist that people - wherever they live - have their rights and they must be able to fight for them.

I hope that the responsible figures in the Ukrainian leadership will not hinder soldiers in the Ukrainian army from putting down their weapons, if they aren't capable of taking that decision themselves and giving that order, then I hope that they won't prosecute people who want to save their lives and the lives of others.

Russian police force, fortunately, so far, do not use batons, tear gas or any other extreme measures of instilling order, something that we often see in other countries, including in the United States. Speaking of opposition, let us recall the movement Occupy Wall Street. Where is it now? The law enforcement agencies and special services in the US have taken it apart, into little pieces, and have dissolved it.

The problem of sexual minorities in Russia has been deliberately made controversial in Russia. There is no such problem in Russia.

We act in a pragmatic and careful manner. We reduce spending on budget items that do not constitute a priority.

I think the American people should express their preferences and we'll accept their choice.

People are always teaching us democracy but the people who teach us democracy don't want to learn it themselves.