The nationalists' coup in the Ukrainian capital of Kiev in February 2014 has hugely scared 2.5 million Russian people living on Crimea. So what did we do? We have not gone to war, we have not fired, not a single person was killed. Our soldiers have merely prevented the Ukrainian troops on Crimea from impeding the freedom of expression of the people.
Vladimir PutinRussia must realise its full potential in high-tech sectors such as modern energy technology, transport and communications, space and aircraft building.
Vladimir PutinSome countries have a parliamentary republic, some are presidential republics and some are still monarchies, but no one sees them as not being democratic. In some countries regional leaders are appointed from the centre and in others they are elected. In Russia, the president is elected through direct secret ballot, and in the United States, the president is elected through a system of electoral colleges.
Vladimir PutinWe have good personal relationship with President Obama, our relations are quite frank and business-like. And this is quite enough to do our job.
Vladimir Putin