“What are we seeking to achieve? We are seeking to optimize budget spending. I believe that even in such uneasy times we employ a very pragmatic approach towards economic and social issues. We do address major social problems and deliver on our promises to our people.” PeopleBelieveProblemI BelieveSocialIssuesEconomicAchievePromiseApproachMajorsSeekingSpendingBudgetsAddressesSocial IssuesPragmaticUneasySocial Problems Author:Vladimir Putin
“We act in a pragmatic and careful manner. We reduce spending on budget items that do not constitute a priority.” CarefulSpendingPrioritiesBudgetsItemsPragmatic Author:Vladimir Putin
“We are not going to waste our reserves and burn them for any political ambitions. We will act very carefully.” PoliticalWasteAmbitionReservesPolitical Ambition Author:Vladimir Putin
“I hope that there will be no particular need for us to attract external funding. It is worth noting that despite the fact the turnover is smaller now we are still maintaining a trade surplus.” NeedsStillsFactsParticularTradeDespiteMaintainingFundingSurplusTurnover Author:Vladimir Putin
“Our microeconomic indicators are stable and it gives me reason to believe that we will calmly and steadily pass this uneasy period in our economy, which has already no doubt adapted to the current situation.” GivingBelieveReasonSituationEconomyDoubtPeriodsGive MeCurrentsNo DoubtStableAdaptedUneasyIndicatorsCurrent SituationMicroeconomics Author:Vladimir Putin
“I would like to deal with a person who is able to take responsible decisions and implement the agreements reached. The name [Donald Trump or Hillary Clinton] does not matter.” PersonsDoeMatterAbleNamesDecisionDealsTrumpResponsibleClintonAgreement Author:Vladimir Putin
“Of course, this person is to have the trust of the American people, then he or she would not only have the wish but also the supported political will to implement all these agreements.” PeoplePersonsPoliticalCoursesWishAgreementPolitical Will Author:Vladimir Putin
“We have never meddled in the domestic affairs of any state and we never will.” StatesAffair Author:Vladimir Putin
“We will keep a close eye on what is happening and wait for the election results and after that we will be ready to work with any Administration given that it wants to work with us.” WantEyeGivenWaitingResultsReadyHappeningsElectionAdministrationElection Results Author:Vladimir Putin
“We are ready to deal with any President [of U.S], but of course, and I mentioned that, it depends on the readiness of the future Administration.” CoursesPresidentDealsReadyDependsAdministrationReadiness Author:Vladimir Putin
“We always welcome when somebody says he or she is ready to work with Russia.” ReadyRussiaWelcome Author:Vladimir Putin
“If anybody,wants to get rid of us, then this is a different approach. However, we will get over it; you never know who is going to lose more with such an approach.” IfsKnowsWantDifferentLosesApproachOver ItGet OverDifferent Approach Author:Vladimir Putin
“Here is the thing: I have seen several times that anti-Russian cards are being played during domestic campaigns in the United States. I find this approach very short-sighted.” StatesUnitedUnited StatesApproachCampaignsCardsShort SightedBeing Played Author:Vladimir Putin
“At the same time we receive different signals all around that in fact, everything is fine. The same situation occurred with the previous administrations during the election campaigns, claims that everything will be restored later. I do not think it matches the level of responsibility shouldered by the United States. I suppose it should be more sound, calm and balanced.” ThinkingShouldDifferentStatesFactsSoundLevelsUnitedResponsibilitySituationUnited StatesFineClaimsElectionCalmCampaignsAdministrationBalancedSignals Author:Vladimir Putin
“As for the criticism we receive, you know, even Mr. [Donald] Trump's team criticize us. For instance, one of the participants or members of his team claimed that Russia was giving money to the Clintons through some funds and that in fact Russia is controlling the Clinton family. This is nonsense.” KnowsGivingFactsTeamTrumpMembersCriticismClintonRussiaInstanceNonsenseFundCriticizeParticipantsGiving Money Author:Vladimir Putin
“I do not even know where Bill Clinton delivered his speech and I know nothing about any funds. Both parties simply use it as a tool in their internal political contention, and I am sure it is a bad thing. But again, we welcome the fact that somebody expresses readiness to work with Russia whatever the name of that person.” KnowsPersonsFactsUsePoliticalNamesPartySpeechToolsBillsClintonRussiaWelcomeInternalsFundBad ThingsReadinessContention Author:Vladimir Putin
“After all, despite the scandalous behavior of one and, by the way, the other candidate [they are both , Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton, scandalous in their own ways], they are smart, they are really smart and they are aware of the leverages they should use to make the voters in the United States understand them, feel them and hear them.” WayFeelsShouldStatesUseUnitedUnited StatesTrumpBehaviorSmartClintonDespiteCandidatesVotersReally SmartScandalous Author:Vladimir Putin
“Donald Trump is targeting the traditional Republican voters, the average person with an average income, the working class, a certain group of entrepreneurs and those people who embrace traditional values.” PeoplePersonsCertainValuesClassGroupsTrumpRepublicanEmbraceEntrepreneurAverageIncomeTraditionalVotersWorking ClassAverage PersonTraditional Values Author:Vladimir Putin
“Mrs. [Hillary] Clinton is focusing on a different part of the voters trying to influence them in her own way as well; so they attack each other [with Donald Trump].” WayTryingWellsDifferentInfluenceTrumpClintonVoters Author:Vladimir Putin
“In some cases, I would not want us to follow their [Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton] pattern. I do not believe they are setting the best example.” WantBelieveCasesExampleTrumpClintonPatternsSettingSettingsWant U Author:Vladimir Putin
“This is the political culture of the United States, which one should accept as is. The United States is a great country and it deserves non-interference and no third-party comments.” ShouldCountryStatesPoliticalCultureUnitedPartyAcceptingUnited StatesDeserveThirdsCommentInterferenceGreat CountryThird PartiesPolitical Culture Author:Vladimir Putin
“We will work with any Administration and with any President in whom the American people have placed their trust. That is, of course, if they wish to cooperate with Russia.” PeopleIfsCoursesWishPresidentRussiaAdministration Author:Vladimir Putin
“Of course, nobody does [want another Cuban Missile Crisis].” WantDoeCoursesCrisisMissilesCubanCuban Missile Crisis Author:Vladimir Putin
“You too would prefer that Russia maintained good relations with both the United Kingdom and the United States, wouldn't you? I would prefer it as well. If anybody in the U.S. or in the United Kingdom says: "I would like to establish good partnership relations with Russia", then both of us, you and me, should welcome that. So should people like me and people like you. However, we have no idea yet what would actually happen after the elections [2016]. That is why I am telling you that we will work with any President designated as such by the American public.” PeopleIfsShouldWellsIdeasStatesHappensPresidentUnitedUnited StatesLike YouRelationElectionRussiaKingdomsLike MeWelcomeNo IdeaPartnershipUnited Kingdom Author:Vladimir Putin
“Unfortunately, the relations between the United Kingdom and Russia have not developed in the best possible way; however, it has never been our fault. It was not we who decided to discontinue relations with the United Kingdom; it was the UK who preferred to "freeze" our bilateral contacts in various fields.” WayUnitedFieldsDecidedRelationFaultsVariousRussiaKingdomsContactFreezeUnited Kingdom Author:Vladimir Putin
“If the United Kingdom considers it necessary to start a dialogue on certain issues, we are ready for that, we are not going to pout or sulk. We take quite a pragmatic approach towards cooperation with our partners and we believe that it would be beneficial for both our countries.” IfsBelieveCountryWould BeCertainUnitedIssuesReadyApproachPartnersKingdomsDialogueOur CountryCooperationBeneficialPragmaticUnited Kingdom Author:Vladimir Putin
“Speaking about our largest oil company Rosneft, and I recalled in the beginning that almost 20 percent of it [19.7] belongs to BP. Who's company is that? British Petroleum, isn't it? I suppose that is not bad. I have to tell that British Petroleum's capitalization is significantly related to the fact that it owns more than 19 percent of Rosneft, which has vast oil reserves both in Russia and abroad. This has its impact on the company's stability as well.” WellsFactsCompanyPercentImpactBritishOilRussiaRelatedStabilityReservesOil CompaniesPetroleumCapitalization Author:Vladimir Putin
“BP found itself in a difficult situation after the tragic events in the Gulf of Mexico. We did everything we could to support it. Britain is interested in this, isn't it? I think it is. The same is true of other areas.” ThinkingFoundDifficultSituationSupportEventsAreasBritainTragicMexicoDifficult SituationsGulf Of MexicoTragic Events Author:Vladimir Putin
“We are marking the anniversary of the Arctic convoys.We really do consider members of the Arctic convoy to be heroes. This is true. I am not saying this as a fashion of speech.” FashionHeroSpeechMembersArctic Author:Vladimir Putin
“Indeed, that is exactly what they [the Arctic convoys] were. We know that the conditions in which they fought were appalling. Time and again they faced death in the name of a common victory and we remember that.” KnowsRememberNamesCommonConditionsVictoryArctic Author:Vladimir Putin
“Britain is leaving and has de facto left the European Union; however, it has not withdrawn from its special relationship with the United States and I believe that the UK's relations with Russia depend on Britain's special relationship with the United States rather than on its presence in or absence from the European Union.” BelieveStatesLeftI BelieveUnitedUnited StatesSpecialDependsRelationUnionsLeavingAbsenceRussiaBritainEuropean UnionSpecial Relationship Author:Vladimir Putin
“If Britain pursues a more independent foreign policy, it might be possible then. And if it is guided by commitments to its allies and considers this to be of a bigger national interest than its cooperation with Russia, so be it.” IfsMightInterestPolicyCommitmentBiggerIndependentRussiaPursueBritainAlliesCooperationForeign PolicyNational Interests Author:Vladimir Putin
“Anyhow, we obviously understand that, being a United States' ally and having a special relationship with it, the UK in its relations with Russian has to make an allowance for the opinion of its partner - the U.S. We take this reality as a given fact, but let me underscore once again that we will be ready to do as much as Britain will be ready to do in order to resume our mutual cooperation. This does not depend on us.” DoeStatesFactsRealityOrderGivenUnitedOpinionUnited StatesSpecialReadyDependsLet MeRelationPartnersBritainMutualAlliesCooperationResumesAllowanceSpecial Relationship Author:Vladimir Putin
“It's better not to argue with women... When people push boundaries too far, it's not because they are strong but because they are weak. But maybe weakness is not the worst quality for a woman.” PeopleStrongQualityWorstWeaknessWeakArguingBoundaries Author:Vladimir Putin
“I was told that [Japan journalists] wanted to see my dog, Yume. You can see that she is in great shape.” WantedDogShapesJournalistJapanMy Dog Author:Vladimir Putin
“Yume is a no-nonsense dog. There are many people here, with camcorders running, lights shining and cameras clicking. She is being a guard dog.” PeopleLightRunningDogCamerasShiningNonsenseNo NonsenseGuard Dogs Author:Vladimir Putin
“The last time I was in Japan as President of Russia was 11 years ago, if memory serves. I later visited in my capacity as Prime Minister.” IfsYearsLastsPresidentMemoriesCapacityYears AgoRussiaMinistersJapanPrimeLast TimePrime Minister Author:Vladimir Putin
“I am in regular contact with Prime Minister [Shinzo] Abe. We have met several times this year [2016].” YearsMetsContactMinistersPrimePrime MinisterAbe Author:Vladimir Putin
“I have a huge interest in Japan, which is well known, including its history and culture, and so it will be very interesting for me to see and learn more about Japan.” WellsCultureInterestInterestingKnownHugeIncludingJapanWell KnownVery InterestingHistory And Culture Author:Vladimir Putin
“I have been to Tokyo and several other cities, but I have never been to Yamaguchi Prefecture. I wonder what it is like, what interesting things it has to offer. I am sure that Prime Minister [ Shinzō] Abe will tell me all about it.” Has BeensInterestingCitiesWonderOffersMinistersPrimePrime MinisterInteresting ThingsTokyoAbe Author:Vladimir Putin
“[Yasuhiro] Yamashita is a respected judo master not only in Japan but across the world. To me, he is an example of an outstanding athlete and a very good man.” MenWorldExampleMastersVery GoodAthleteJapanGood ManOutstandingJudo Author:Vladimir Putin
“Judo has been part of Japanese culture for a long time. It makes sense to me that this sport, which is both athletic and philosophical, was created in Japan. It is based on respect for the partner and for our elders as our teachers, which is very important and makes a strong, positive contribution to human relationships, and not only in sports. I am happy that life brought me to this wonderful sport as a child. It is like my first love.” FirstsHumansChildrenLongHas BeensImportantCultureStrongSportsTeacherWonderfulLong TimePhilosophicalPartnersMake SenseContributionJapanFirst LoveEldersAthleticHuman RelationsHuman RelationshipsJudoJapanese Culture Author:Vladimir Putin
“I like other sports, too, including skiing and swimming, and I am learning to play ice hockey now. But judo is definitely part of my life, a very big part, and I am glad that judo was the first sport I took up and that I have practiced it regularly and seriously. I am also grateful to Japan for this.” FirstsPlayBigsSportsGratefulIncludingGladIceJapanHockeySwimmingSkiingIce HockeyJudoSo Grateful Author:Vladimir Putin
“Honestly, I do not even know whether this is on the visit itinerary, but if there is time, I would be pleased to go to Kodokan. For anyone interested in judo, who loves judo, Kodokan is a special place.” IfsKnowsWould BeSpecialHonestlySpecial PlacesJudo Author:Vladimir Putin
“Kodokan is, to a large degree, a trendsetter in the sport. This school trained outstanding masters and is a kind of Mecca for all judokas. Certainly, I would be pleased to visit, if time permits.” IfsKindWould BeSchoolSportsMastersDegreesPermitOutstandingMecca Author:Vladimir Putin
“I believe that meetings at the top level in a relatively informal atmosphere are always useful, and there is reason to hope that we will make progress in resolving the matters we will be considering.” BelieveMatterReasonI BelieveLevelsProgressMeetingsAtmosphereConsidering Author:Vladimir Putin
“I remember my very first encounter with Japan. At that time, I was Deputy Mayor of St Petersburg. Out of nowhere, Japan's Consul General in St Petersburg came to my office and said Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs wanted to invite me to Japan. I was very surprised because I had nothing to do with Japan except being a judoka. This was an opportunity to visit Tokyo and a couple of other cities. And, you know, a capital is a capital everywhere: there is the official script and certain protocol. It is always easier to talk in the provinces, the conversation is more natural.” KnowsFirstsSaidWantedRememberCertainOpportunityNaturalCitiesCoupleEasierConversationOfficeAffairScriptsOfficialsEncountersJapanInvitesMinistryMayorsProvincesTokyoProtocolDeputiesForeign Affairs Author:Vladimir Putin
“I hope that being in places from the [Shinzo Abe] Prime Minister's past will motivate us to have a sincere, very practical and, I hope, productive conversation.” PastConversationPracticalsMinistersProductiveSincerePrimePrime MinisterAbe Author:Vladimir Putin
“It is 60 years since the restoration of diplomatic relations, but relations between Japan and Russia have much deeper roots. In all, our diplomatic ties date back 150 years, more than 150 years now.” YearsRootsRelationDeeperRussiaTiesJapanRestorationDiplomaticDiplomatic Relations Author:Vladimir Putin
