History proves that all dictatorships, all authoritarian forms of government are transient. Only democratic systems are not transient. Whatever the shortcomings, mankind has not devised anything superior.

I think Russia has already turned the toughest pages in its history. We're only moving forward now, only get stronger.

I do not remember when I said this [oil production would collapse ], maybe in the heat of the moment, but I do not think I even said it, but I may just not remember it. I was saying that at a certain level of oil prices new deposits will not be explored. That is what is actually happening. However, surprisingly, our oil and gas workers [mainly oilmen] continue to invest.

We conducted talks on border issues with our friends in the People's Republic of China for 40 years. There were also issues related to specific territories.

It is extremely dangerous to encourage people to see themselves as exceptional, whatever the motivation.

Policies are being pursued that place on the same level a multi-child family and a same-sex partnership, a faith in God and a belief in Satan. This is the path to degradation.

The transfer of power is always a test of the constitutional system, a test of its strength.