For Russia, there is not and there may not be another political option but democracy. However, Russian democracy is... not at all the realization of standards imposed on us from outside.

I would like to deal with a person who is able to take responsible decisions and implement the agreements reached. The name [Donald Trump or Hillary Clinton] does not matter.

Russia does not want confrontation of any kind. And we will not take part in any kind of 'holy alliance.'

Problems between countries always exist, especially between such big countries as Russia and the United States. There have always been some issues, but I don't think we should go to extremes.

I have never changed. I feel as young as I always did and remain close friends with Gerhard Schröder.

I stress that we unambiguously support strengthening the non-proliferation regime, without any exceptions, on the basis of international law.

I have been to Tokyo and several other cities, but I have never been to Yamaguchi Prefecture. I wonder what it is like, what interesting things it has to offer. I am sure that Prime Minister [ Shinzō] Abe will tell me all about it.