If we had joined efforts some time ago [with U.S], we could have avoided many problems the world is facing now, I believe.
Vladimir PutinWe must stop using the language of force and return to the path of civilized diplomatic and political settlement.
Vladimir PutinThe basic principles of democracy should be observed whatever the country - principles such as civil liberties, a free market, a free press, the priority of the individual over mythical state interests, a state which serves the interests of ordinary people and defends their rights and interests. This is all easy to say but hard to make reality.
Vladimir PutinWe have created stability, which is a necessary condition for development. But I can't call this system authoritarian.
Vladimir PutinOur agreements on creating the conditions for preparing a peace treaty [with Japan] should be rooted in this trust. This may be achieved, for example, by large-scale economic activities that will also cover the Kuril Islands. It may be achieved by solving purely humanitarian issues, for instance, unhindered visa-free travel by former residents of the Southern Kuril Islands to where they used to live: visiting cemeteries, native places and so on.
Vladimir Putin