I have a private life in which I do not permit interference. It must be respected.

I am proud of Russia and I am sure that the vast majority of Russian citizens have great love and respect for their Motherland. We have much to be proud of: Russian culture and Russian history. We have every reason to believe in the future of our country. But we have no obsession that Russia must be a super power in the international arena. The only thing we do is protecting our vital interests.

I am the president of 146 million Russians. I have to represent their interests. We are willing to settle this without any conflicts and to search for compromises on the basis of international law.

We're no longer in the Cold War. Eavesdropping on friends is unacceptable.

Russia has not taken part and is not going to take part in any actions aimed at removing legitimate government.

Russia is a very reliable and big market. I don't remember the figure but, for example, the German machine-building industry has been increasing its supplies to Russia every year. These supplies are huge. Does someone want to discontinue these supplies? We'll buy from somebody else.

We have created stability, which is a necessary condition for development. But I can't call this system authoritarian.