Vladimir Putin

On Democracy

Democracy for Russia is final

'Russia has made its choice in favor of democracy. Fourteen years ago, independently, without any pressure from outside, it made that decision in the interests of itself and interests of its people — of its citizens. This is our final choice, and we have no way back. There can be no return to what we used to have before.' (2/24/2005) [1]

Democracy is superior to authoritarianism

'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. (1/3/2000) [2]

Russia needs strong government, not totalitarianism

'Russia needs a strong state power and must have it. But I am not calling for totalitarianism.' (30/12/1999) [3]

On Ukraine

Letting President Bush know his views on Ukraine

'You don't understand, George, that Ukraine is not even a state. What is Ukraine? Part of its territories is Eastern Europe, but the greater part is a gift from us.' (April 2008) [4]

Russia and Ukraine are 'one' 'We in Russia have always considered Russians and Ukrainians to be one people. I still think so.' (14/5/2014) [5]

On rape

Putin envies rapist Israeli ex-president

'He raped 10 women. I never expected it from him. He surprised all of us. We all envy him.' (10/19/2006) [6]

On the former Soviet Union

Putin regrets the end of the Soviet Union

'The demise of the Soviet Union was the greatest geopolitical catastrophe of the century.' (4/26/2005) [7]