Ukraine

“People in camouflage were running around the U.N.; they shouted, photographed Russian diplomats and threatened. It was about direct threats.”

“Up to this point, it (Crimea) has been perceived exclusively as a Russian territory. And in 2014 the peninsula joined the Russian Federation on the basis of a referendum in which the overwhelming majority of the inhabitants of the peninsula took part. And now it will not be returned to Ukraine or any other country.”

I believe that it is my duty and the meaning of my entire life to do everything for Russia, its present and future, to ensure that it is peaceful and prosperous, to preserve and perpetuate our great people, and bring prosperity to every household in Russia. Let me assure you that just as before I will devote my life and my work to serving the people and our Fatherland. For me, this is above everything.

“Because during the Cold War there were channels of communication. And there was no obsession with Russophobia, which resembles genocide through sanctions."

HEADLINE: “In Ukraine, they admitted the Ukrainian army can’t learn how to use American weapons”

“For years, European security was based on measures of restraint. There never was a military aspect in our relations with neighbors, who have now taken the most radical stance towards Russia - the Baltic states, for instance. Because of NATO, we now have to deal with a military aspect, it was their choice, it was them who crossed the red line.”

[Regarding President Trump’s suggestion that Europe is “held hostage”] The comment was odd since, even at the height of the Cold War, Europe never froze due to Moscow turning off its gas in the middle of the night.

“After receiving this information I’ve expressed a strong protest regarding today’s unlawful actions by the United States of America and I emphasized that to this day there is not a single bit of evidence of Russia’s interference in the investigation of the case (Skripal) as such, as well as of Russia’s involvement in this tragedy that took place in Salisbury.”

"Information began to leak that he did so (committed suicide) because of the difficulties associated with the reconstruction of the Nikolaev Airport, but it's hard to get rid of the thought that the other side could have eliminated him as one of the dangerous witnesses who could lift the veil of secrecy over the destruction of MH17 and thereby strengthen Russia's position, because it is quite obvious that it was not necessary and not advantageous for Russia to shoot down this aircraft, and that all this was a provocation directed against our country.”

Give back Crimea? “What, have you lost your mind? There are no such circumstances and there never will be.”

The U.S. used Russia to prevent Ukrainian leader Viktor Yanukovich from using his military against rioters in Kiev, and then ‘cheated’ Moscow by supporting an armed coup, President Vladimir Putin said.

“We understand full well what the Americans and NATO members are doing. They are shifting [warships in and out of the Black Sea]. As a matter of fact, this is so-called shuttle presence. It is no secret that such activity, provocative activity, became more obvious after 2014, following the events that resulted in Crimea’s return to the Russian harbor.”