There is progress in the sense that the Prime Minister [Shinzล Abe] has proposed, outlined, as it were, directions for movement toward a peace treaty and the resolution of issues related to territorial problems. Now, what did he propose? He proposed promoting an environment of trust and cooperation. I believe it is even hard to imagine that it can be any different, that we can agree to sign the documents that we are talking about without trusting each other or without cooperation. That is simply impossible even to imagine.
Vladimir PutinI would like to assure you that there is no organization or any sort of repression against people who donโt agree with our actions, for example in Ukraine, Crimea, or any other external issue, no one from official government organs do this.
Vladimir PutinThere are both things in international law: the principle of territorial integrity and right to self-determination.
Vladimir PutinWe all are interested in an open development, without any prejudice; this refers particularly and, perhaps, primarily to the Baltic countries, for them it is more important than for Russia.
Vladimir PutinSome Western politicians are already threatening us with not just sanctions, but also the prospect of increasingly serious problems on the domestic front. I would like to know what it is they have in mind exactly: action by a fifth column, this disparate bunch of 'national traitors', or are they hoping to put us in a worsening social and economic situation so as to provoke public discontent? We consider such statements irresponsible and clearly aggressive in tone, and we will respond to them accordingly.
Vladimir Putin