“In 1995, Russia virtually gave Chechnya de facto statehood and independence even though, de jure, it didn't recognize Chechnya as an independent state. And I would like to emphasize strongly that Russia withdrew all of its troops, we moved the prosecutors, we moved all the police, dismantled all the courts, completely, 100 percent.”

“The common theme here was contempt: a poisonous disregard for human life. For Vladimir Putin’s critics have an uncanny habit of turning up dead.”

“If there are people who act outside the law, then the state must use legal means to impose law in the interests of majority. That's the way it's done in the U.S., and that's the way it's done in Russia.”

“At least in Russia, you cannot just go and tap into someone's phone conversation without a warrant issued by court. That's more or less the way a civilized society should go about fighting terrorism.”

“My notion of the KGB came from romantic spy stories. I was a pure and utterly successful product of Soviet patriotic education.”

“The task of the government is not only to pour honey into a cup, but sometimes to give bitter medicine.”

“My working and personal relationship with President Obama is marked by growing trust. I appreciate this.”

“I think every person should have some faith inside him, in his heart. What matters is not an external display of this faith, but the inner state of the soul.”

“A considerable share of the world's population still cannot afford comfortable housing, education and quality health care.”

“I am the wealthiest man, not just in Europe, but in the whole world. I collect emotions. I am wealthy in that the people of Russia have twice entrusted me with the leadership of a great nation such as Russia - I believe that is my greatest wealth.”

“We are all different, but when we ask for the Lord's blessings, we must not forget that God created us equal.”