Anyone who doesn't regret the passing of the Soviet Union has no heart. Anyone who wants it restored has no brains.
– Vladimir Putin
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.
– Vladimir Putin
I am addressing you because you have conferred on me the highest post in the country.
– Vladimir Putin
I can only feel joy that the American people did not itself to be intimidated, and made the most sensible decision.
– Vladimir Putin
I think the American people should express their preferences, and we'll accept their choice.
– Vladimir Putin
My sacred duty is to bring together the Russian people, unite the people around clear tasks. We have one Fatherland, one people and a common future.
– Vladimir Putin
No references to the need to fight terror can be an argument for restricting human rights.
– Vladimir Putin
Nobody and nothing will stop Russia on the road to strengthening democracy and ensuring human rights and freedoms.
– Vladimir Putin
Nobody should pin their hopes on a miracle.
– Vladimir Putin
Our aims are absolutely clear: They are a high living standard in the country and a secure, free and comfortable life.
– Vladimir Putin
Professionals should do their job, and politicos should not be engaged in scoring points here because of the tragedy.
– Vladimir Putin
Russia is a part of European culture. Therefore, it is with difficulty that I imagine NATO as an enemy.
– Vladimir Putin
Russia needs a strong state power and must have it. But I am not calling for totalitarianism.
– Vladimir Putin
Russia will not soon become, if it ever becomes, a second copy of the United States or England - where liberal value have deep historic roots.
– Vladimir Putin
Terrorism has once again shown it is prepared deliberately to stop at nothing in creating human victims. An end must be put to this. As never before, it is vital to unite forces of the entire world community against terror.
– Vladimir Putin
The democratic choice Russian people made in the early 90's is final.
– Vladimir Putin
The path towards a free society has not been simple. There are tragic and glorious pages in our history.
– Vladimir Putin
The strengthening of our statehood is, at times, deliberately interpreted as authoritarianism.
– Vladimir Putin
To pay more is the easy way. In fact, the solution possibilities to the problem are many.
– Vladimir Putin
We favor resolving the issue (of Iraqi disarmament) by peaceful means... (A US-led war) would be a mistake with the most serious consequences, leading to casualties and the destabilization of the international situation as a whole.
– Vladimir Putin
We shall fight against them, throw them in prisons and destroy them.
– Vladimir Putin
You must obey the law, always, not only when they grab you by your special place.
– Vladimir Putin
We don't need a weakened government but a strong government that would take responsibility for the rights of the individual and care for the society as a whole.