From the beginning, we failed to overcome Europe's division. The Berlin Wall fell, but invisible walls were moved to the East of Europe. This has led to mutual misunderstandings and assignments of guilt. They are the cause of all crises ever since.

We in Russia have always considered Russians and Ukrainians to be one people. I still think so.

We are working in other areas [like ALROSA] as well, so there are no radical changes to our position. It is not the case when we have to, as we say, make a lot of fuss about it. In other words, we do not have to be obsessed with privatizing immediately and at any cost.

However, given the fact that the State has a controlling stake in the company [Rosneft], it might not be the best course of action when one company under State control buys another one fully owned by the State. This is one point.

Things are different in the international relations between states. In this respect, I am neither a friend, nor bride or groom [of the West].

I assure you that interest in Japanese culture in Russia is just as strong as interest in Russian culture in Japan.

Sometimes it is necessary to be lonely in order to prove that you are right.