It was at a certain stage (you might have forgotten, haven't you?) that the United States actively collaborated with Saddam when he was at war with Iran: weapons were supplied, diplomatic and political support was provided and so on. Then the US fell out with him for some reason and decided to do away with him.

Stalinism is linked with a cult of personality and massive violations of the law, with repression and camps. There is nothing like that in Russia and, I hope, will never again be...

I trust Angela Merkel, she is a very open person. She is also subject to certain constraints and limitations. But she is honestly trying to settle the crisis, also in the south-east of Ukraine. However, what the European Union is doing with those sanctions is nothing but a theatre of the absurd.

I am the wealthiest man, not just in Europe, but in the whole world. I collect emotions.

We discussed this very important issue yesterday over a beer.

After all, China is our largest trading partner. As I said, country-wise, Russia trades the most with China. That is my first point.

Anyone who doesn't regret the passing of the Soviet Union has no heart. Anyone who wants it restored has no brains.