We certainly would not want to have the same kind of democracy as they have in Iraq, I can tell you quite honestly.

I think: the powers like to talk about "freedom" in order to wash the population's brains.

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.

We have made mistakes! We were too late. If we had presented our national interests more clearly from the beginning, the world would still be in balance today.

Political activities in Russia should be as transparent as possible. Financing political activities from abroad is something the state should keep an eye on.

I can't believe that OMON [Russia's riot police] would hit a girl. I simply can't imagine it.

In Russia, we are ready to listen to our partners, ready to listen to appraisals and assessments when it is done in a friendly manner, in order to establish contacts and create a common atmosphere and dedicate ourselves to shared values. But we absolutely will not accept when such things are used as a tool of political struggle. I want everybody to know that. This is our message.