WEBVTT 00:00:22.320 --> 00:00:26.279 Do you imagine your life without being a president? 00:00:27.200 --> 00:00:29.839 By the way, it's quite frequent question. 00:00:34.240 --> 00:00:37.759 Actually, it's like a canary in a coal mine, so to say. 00:00:37.760 --> 00:00:39.599 That's what I think. 00:00:39.880 --> 00:00:44.199 If a person is able to go back to live in a regular apartment 00:00:45.360 --> 00:00:48.799 instead of enjoying palace interior 00:00:51.200 --> 00:00:55.879 in this case, I think that he didn't lose connection with "external world”. 00:00:56.400 --> 00:01:00.999 I can easily imagine my life without being in this high position. 00:01:14.000 --> 00:01:15.399 It has happened on August 7th, 1999... " 00:01:16.400 --> 00:01:17.879 In the heart of events." 00:01:21.600 --> 00:01:24.519 CAUCASUS NEWS. 00:01:27.680 --> 00:01:30.439 Basaev is commanding militants in Dagestan". 00:01:44.400 --> 00:01:45.279 for keeping it short 00:01:45.280 --> 00:01:46.799 I am not going to sit down for keeping it short. 00:01:47.000 --> 00:01:48.599 00:01:52.840 --> 00:01:55.999 Situation is very serious now in Dagestan and in Caucasus. 00:01:56.040 --> 00:01:57.879 I just came back from there. 00:01:57.920 --> 00:02:01.319 It's really difficult situation. 00:02:08.960 --> 00:02:10.399 Real serious. 00:02:11.600 --> 00:02:14.239 Probably, we can really lose Dagestan... 00:02:20.320 --> 00:02:23.199 Coordination is very bad, so far. 00:02:24.200 --> 00:02:27.159 And for some reason everyone is asking for political.. 00:02:27.160 --> 00:02:31.599 I was forced to go there yesterday and tell that I am taking full responsibility. 00:02:33.800 --> 00:02:36.399 And now about the current events. 00:02:37.320 --> 00:02:40.479 I have met with the President this morning. 00:02:41.240 --> 00:02:44.079 He signed my resignation 00:02:44.080 --> 00:02:46.239 Thanked me for good work 00:02:46.240 --> 00:02:48.319 And dismissed me 00:02:48.320 --> 00:02:53.279 Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin is appointed as interim 00:02:53.280 --> 00:02:56.079 He is the Secretary of Security Council and head of FSB. 00:02:56.080 --> 00:02:58.279 Descent and honourable person I think. 00:02:58.639 --> 00:03:01.199 I would like to wish him luck. 00:03:01.600 --> 00:03:03.199 Luck only, 00:03:03.280 --> 00:03:05.359 cause all the rest he already has. 00:03:08.440 --> 00:03:09.999 August 9th, 1999 00:03:10.000 --> 00:03:12.599 The man, whom Boris Yeltsin has chosen 00:03:12.600 --> 00:03:15.199 to be the head of his obsolete government 00:03:15.240 --> 00:03:17.999 was practically unknown former spy 00:03:18.080 --> 00:03:20.599 and head of Security Council: Vladimir Putin 00:03:20.600 --> 00:03:23.439 Even more remarkable was Yeltsin's statement 00:03:23.440 --> 00:03:26.199 that it was Putin who ought to become a president of Russia 00:03:26.200 --> 00:03:29.119 after Yeltsin's retirement next year. 00:03:29.400 --> 00:03:32.199 People had absolutely no trust to the government. 00:03:32.240 --> 00:03:35.199 Caucasus war was going on. 00:03:35.200 --> 00:03:39.719 The war was not only in Caucasus but everywhere in the country. 00:03:39.760 --> 00:03:41.999 You might remember those terrorist attacks etc. 00:03:42.600 --> 00:03:44.639 It was not so long ago 00:03:44.840 --> 00:03:47.199 just 14-15 years ago. 00:03:47.720 --> 00:03:50.119 Caucasus war came to Moscow" 00:03:58.480 --> 00:04:01.439 Chechen trace?" 00:04:03.600 --> 00:04:05.079 August 14th, 1999 00:04:05.080 --> 00:04:07.919 This conflict became the first serious test 00:04:07.960 --> 00:04:10.799 for acting Prime Minister Vladimir Putin. 00:04:10.840 --> 00:04:13.279 Putin stated that Russia will be able 00:04:13.280 --> 00:04:16.399 to take situation in Dagestan under control in less than 2 weeks. 00:04:16.800 --> 00:04:19.918 I wasn't really able to make decisions at that moment. 00:04:19.920 --> 00:04:22.799 I was forced to deal with it, 00:04:22.800 --> 00:04:25.838 though I didn't have full powers. 00:04:25.839 --> 00:04:28.199 It was clearly a huge responsibility. 00:04:28.200 --> 00:04:31.039 It was a matter of course 00:04:31.040 --> 00:04:34.799 and I have had onl one question, 00:04:34.800 --> 00:04:36.999 I am not even going to talk about it on camera now. 00:04:37.000 --> 00:04:40.199 In case if I won't manage to finish this task, 00:04:40.200 --> 00:04:45.599 then what should I do and how should I live further? 00:04:45.600 --> 00:04:48.599 I have decided for myself that it's the only option. 00:04:48.800 --> 00:04:50.599 I should go till the end. 00:04:52.240 --> 00:04:55.399 I never heard of name Putin back then. 00:04:55.400 --> 00:04:58.199 It was in August-September of 1999. 00:04:58.200 --> 00:05:04.239 Experience of the previous 1$t Chechen campaign was pretty hard. 00:05:04.240 --> 00:05:05.799 There was a long line of misfortunes 00:05:05.800 --> 00:05:08.519 00:05:08.520 --> 00:05:10.278 and often even betrayals. 00:05:14.279 --> 00:05:18.799 And in 1999 when Chaban Makhikov... 00:05:18.800 --> 00:05:23.799 during that Khattab's assault on Dagestan, 00:05:23.800 --> 00:05:28.079 that’s when I first heard the name of our president. 00:05:32.600 --> 00:05:35.838 Vladimir Ivanov, our platoon commander, said. 00:05:36.400 --> 00:05:38.679 We got a new one." 00:05:38.720 --> 00:05:44.399 He came into some general's tent 00:05:44.480 --> 00:05:49.599 and they raised a toast to future victory. 00:05:49.600 --> 00:05:53.599 I would really like, in accordance with Russian tradition 00:05:53.600 --> 00:05:58.159 and tradition of holy Dagestan land where we are today, 00:05:58.160 --> 00:06:00.799 to raise this glass 00:06:00.800 --> 00:06:04.079 and drink to the memory of those who died. 00:06:04.080 --> 00:06:06.159 A second, just a second 00:06:07.440 --> 00:06:09.799 I would like to raise a glass 00:06:09.880 --> 00:06:12.959 to the health of ones who are wounded 00:06:13.000 --> 00:06:15.559 and to wish happiness to everyone present here. 00:06:15.760 --> 00:06:19.519 But we have a lot of problems ahead of us 00:06:19.520 --> 00:06:22.599 and important tasks you know that very well. 00:06:22.680 --> 00:06:25.999 You do know what enemy is planning to do. 00:06:26.000 --> 00:06:27.879 All of us know that 00:06:27.880 --> 00:06:32.359 What provocations are to be expected in the nearest future, 00:06:32.400 --> 00:06:35.278 in what regions etc. 00:06:35.279 --> 00:06:37.599 We don't have a right 00:06:37.600 --> 00:06:41.399 to allow ourselves a single moment of weakness. 00:06:41.400 --> 00:06:42.799 Not a single moment. 00:06:42.800 --> 00:06:44.278 Because if we will, 00:06:44.320 --> 00:06:48.199 then those who died, did it for nothing. 00:06:48.240 --> 00:06:51.799 That's why I’d like to propose the following. 00:06:51.800 --> 00:06:56.079 we will absolutely raise our glasses to them, 00:06:56.080 --> 00:06:57.559 absolutely. 00:06:58.600 --> 00:07:01.278 But we will do it later. 00:07:01.279 --> 00:07:02.799 Later. 00:07:02.800 --> 00:07:08.559 When this task, the crucial task you all know about, will be completed. 00:07:08.600 --> 00:07:11.799 That's why I propose to grab a bite of food now 00:07:12.000 --> 00:07:13.799 and go back to work. 00:07:16.040 --> 00:07:20.959 He put glass on the table and I remember surprise of our platoon commander 00:07:20.960 --> 00:07:22.919 and his respect. 00:07:22.920 --> 00:07:26.399 He said that probably it will work differently than during the previous campaign 00:07:26.400 --> 00:07:28.319 cause this glass he put back on the table, 00:07:28.320 --> 00:07:34.399 in his man's view, it had some good special meaning. 00:07:34.400 --> 00:07:37.199 And after that couple of days later, 00:07:37.200 --> 00:07:42.119 when military jets flew to Khattab’s units and started shelling them on territory of Chechnya, 00:07:42.120 --> 00:07:46.719 it became clear then that this glass returned on the table 00:07:46.760 --> 00:07:49.159 had very obvious meaning 00:07:49.160 --> 00:07:51.999 It meant that everything will be the right way. 00:07:55.320 --> 00:07:56.999 We will be chasing terrorists everywhere. 00:07:58.000 --> 00:07:59.799 00:07:59.880 --> 00:08:02.159 and if we find them in the toilet, pardon me, 00:08:02.200 --> 00:08:04.479 We will rub them out in the outhouse! 00:08:04.480 --> 00:08:05.759 The end, issue closed! 00:08:16.640 --> 00:08:17.399 What's going on in Chechnya, 00:08:21.680 --> 00:08:27.239 is caused by the fact that Russia is not willing 00:08:27.240 --> 00:08:30.839 to solve these issues in political way, 00:08:30.840 --> 00:08:36.198 by talking to the Chechen leaders. 00:08:37.000 --> 00:08:41.799 There are two categories of Russian soldiers on the territory of Chechnya. 00:08:41.799 --> 00:08:45.759 those who lie in coffins and those who WILL lie in coffins. 00:08:48.640 --> 00:08:54.319 There was no other solution than suppressing this terrorism. 00:08:54.320 --> 00:08:56.279 It was impossible to come to an agreement 00:08:56.280 --> 00:08:59.759 I remember very clearly and I told about that before, I think, 00:08:59.760 --> 00:09:06.519 that while I was head of FSB I was reading different investigative documents 00:09:06.520 --> 00:09:10.599 including ones of international terrorists, what they were writing to each other. 00:09:10.640 --> 00:09:14.399 It's a unique historic occasion today. 00:09:15.200 --> 00:09:18.439 We have a chance to tear Caucasus away from Russia. 00:09:18.480 --> 00:09:20.359 Today or never." 00:09:20.400 --> 00:09:22.599 But it was clear for us as well. 00:09:22.600 --> 00:09:25.319 either we'll hold it today 00:09:25.360 --> 00:09:28.279 or we'll never have another chance to save the country. 00:09:28.320 --> 00:09:34.959 Well, at that moment practically everyone, except only us maybe, 00:09:35.000 --> 00:09:40.119 cause an average citizen didn't go into details, and wasn't much aware of what was happening, 00:09:40.120 --> 00:09:41.799 but for anyone in the world, 00:09:41.880 --> 00:09:46.839 as many of my colleagues, presidents and prime ministers, were telling me later, 00:09:46.880 --> 00:09:52.039 it was a sure thing that Russia will seize to exist in its current borders. 00:09:53.200 --> 00:09:57.199 The only question was when it will happen and what will be the consequences, 00:09:57.200 --> 00:09:59.399 considering that it was a large nuclear power. 00:09:59.600 --> 00:10:04.199 On December 31st, 1999, at 10 am 00:10:04.200 --> 00:10:06.558 I got a phone call from Boris Yeltsin office. 00:10:09.400 --> 00:10:13.599 And I was told that I have to be in his office in half an hour. 00:10:13.600 --> 00:10:15.639 I was invited into his office. 00:10:15.640 --> 00:10:20.959 We were standing there, witnessing the power transfer, 00:10:21.000 --> 00:10:25.599 including the transfer of nuclear suitcase too, by the way. 00:10:25.600 --> 00:10:27.719 I remember this day very well. 00:10:27.760 --> 00:10:33.719 On December 31st we were invited for breakfast with the President. 00:10:33.760 --> 00:10:35.719 We were about 8 people. 00:10:36.000 --> 00:10:39.199 I saw that someone was carrying a TV. 00:10:39.200 --> 00:10:44.599 If you remember, TVs used to be thick, chubby ones back then. 00:10:44.600 --> 00:10:46.959 They placed the TV there. 00:10:46.960 --> 00:10:50.239 Boris Nikolaevich and Vladimir Vladimirovich came over. 00:10:50.280 --> 00:10:52.799 They sat down and turned on TV. 00:10:54.280 --> 00:10:59.399 I am... leaving 00:11:02.600 --> 00:11:07.599 Leaving before... the end of the term. 00:11:08.800 --> 00:11:14.199 I realized that it's what I have to do. 00:11:14.200 --> 00:11:19.599 Russia has to start a new Millennium 00:11:19.640 --> 00:11:25.319 with new politicians, new faces. 00:11:25.320 --> 00:11:33.359 With new clever, strong, energetic people. 00:11:34.840 --> 00:11:39.799 That's where we heard that Boris Nikolayevich has left 00:11:39.800 --> 00:11:43.479 and has passed his president duties to Vladimir Vladimirovich. 00:12:31.000 --> 00:12:34.879 After that Vladimir Vladimirovich invited me to his office in Kremlin 00:12:34.920 --> 00:12:43.079 and told me that it would be a good idea to congratulate our Army Forces. 00:12:43.080 --> 00:12:49.319 Spiritual welfare of the Army Forces was quite bad. 00:12:49.360 --> 00:12:53.879 It was necessary to bolster morale of the servicemen, 00:12:53.880 --> 00:12:56.319 make them believe in themselves. 00:12:59.000 --> 00:13:03.199 At the same time, we had to ensure security of this event, 00:13:03.200 --> 00:13:06.439 cause we were flying in the combat zone. 00:13:06.440 --> 00:13:10.639 It was worrisome of course, the president is flying, weather is terrible, 00:13:10.640 --> 00:13:12.519 by the helicopters. 00:13:15.960 --> 00:13:18.079 Our helicopter was shelled 00:13:18.080 --> 00:13:20.999 and we were forced to go back to Makhachkala. 00:13:21.000 --> 00:13:24.558 By this time we prepared the cars 00:13:24.600 --> 00:13:26.759 which we used to get to Gudermes. 00:13:26.760 --> 00:13:28.359 I was in Gudermes. 00:13:28.400 --> 00:13:32.439 My father knew that he is coming over 00:13:32.480 --> 00:13:34.719 don’t know where he knew this from. 00:13:34.720 --> 00:13:36.799 It was a secret. 00:13:36.800 --> 00:13:39.199 Nobody believed it even myself. 00:13:39.200 --> 00:13:42.999 Fighting is going on everywhere but Putin will come, 00:13:43.000 --> 00:13:45.959 in a civil car to Dagestan... 00:13:46.240 --> 00:13:51.079 We arrived to Gudermes somewhat around 4:30 pm 00:13:51.160 --> 00:13:55.199 and we met New Year's Eve already with the servicemen. 00:13:56.200 --> 00:13:58.799 Guys, our congratulations on the New Year. 00:13:58.840 --> 00:14:01.799 We wish you happiness and all the best for the new year! 00:14:01.800 --> 00:14:05.359 Good health to everyone and happy family life! 00:14:05.360 --> 00:14:07.678 I would like you to know 00:14:07.679 --> 00:14:10.959 that Russia highly appreciates what you do. 00:14:10.960 --> 00:14:15.399 And country really needs what you do. Really needs it. 00:14:15.440 --> 00:14:19.199 I am not only talking about restoring of country's Honour and Dignity. 00:14:19.240 --> 00:14:23.999 No I mean much more serious things by that. 00:14:24.000 --> 00:14:28.879 I am talking about putting an end to the demise of Russia. 00:14:28.880 --> 00:14:30.879 This is your main goal. 00:14:30.920 --> 00:14:34.399 Setting up a goal always meant for Putin 00:14:34.400 --> 00:14:38.399 having a concrete result after a specified time. 00:14:39.040 --> 00:14:43.919 And when Putin said that problem has to be resolved in 2 weeks, 00:14:43.920 --> 00:14:46.079 in 2 weeks it was resolved. 00:14:46.360 --> 00:14:50.999 A lot of hard work was done with the locals. 00:14:51.000 --> 00:14:58.879 As the result of it, enormous number of local Dagestan residents 00:14:58.880 --> 00:15:02.519 with weapon in their hands took side of Federal Forces, 00:15:02.520 --> 00:15:06.599 fought with the terrorists and won over them eventually. 00:15:06.600 --> 00:15:11.079 The same story was in Chechnya. 00:15:14.400 --> 00:15:16.999 We have to act very carefully, 00:15:17.160 --> 00:15:22.079 in a way that we wouldn't cause damage to the civilians. 00:15:23.280 --> 00:15:25.999 Because there are... there are... 00:15:26.000 --> 00:15:29.799 besides the armed militants and bandits there are also women, children 00:15:29.800 --> 00:15:32.799 elderly people are there too. 00:15:32.800 --> 00:15:37.799 There are veterans of the Great Patriotic War there too by the way! 00:15:39.000 --> 00:15:44.479 Whom all of us own the victory over fascism, 00:15:44.480 --> 00:15:47.439 they were taking part in it. 00:15:47.440 --> 00:15:50.799 And we treat them as family 00:15:51.800 --> 00:15:53.919 Sorry. I can't walk all the way through... 00:15:55.400 --> 00:15:58.639 The very same Akhmad Hadzhi Kadyrov, 00:15:58.640 --> 00:16:03.719 he actually believed Putin, believed this work. 00:16:03.760 --> 00:16:05.599 He followed Putin 00:16:05.600 --> 00:16:11.199 and hundreds and thousands of other Chechens did too after him. 00:16:14.400 --> 00:16:16.359 This was a surprise 00:16:16.400 --> 00:16:20.119 a feeling that a strange, new person has appeared. 00:16:22.640 --> 00:16:25.639 I met both his mother and father. 00:16:26.600 --> 00:16:30.159 The war for Vladimir Vladimirovich, is the same as for me, probably. 00:16:30.400 --> 00:16:33.799 It's not only the heroism of people, 00:16:33.800 --> 00:16:37.119 but also a personal tragedy which will never die. 00:16:37.120 --> 00:16:40.639 On Piskarevskoe cemetery, in one of the mass graves, 00:16:40.640 --> 00:16:42.719 his older brother is buried. 00:16:42.760 --> 00:16:46.239 He was practically a child when he has died. 00:16:46.240 --> 00:16:51.079 His father was heavily wounded in Nevsky Pyatachok, it was a miracle he survived. 00:16:51.080 --> 00:16:54.479 He came back home from the hospital 00:16:54.520 --> 00:16:59.199 right at the moment when our future President mother was carried out of the apartment. 00:16:59.200 --> 00:17:02.999 Medics were loading her in a truck as a dead body. 00:17:03.000 --> 00:17:06.839 He chased them away, using his crutches. 00:17:06.839 --> 00:17:11.759 She was washed out but he nursed her back to life. 00:17:12.240 --> 00:17:16.799 When he came to Moscow for work, 00:17:19.040 --> 00:17:20.999 his parents were already pretty old, 00:17:21.040 --> 00:17:24.279 they had to be looked after. 00:17:24.280 --> 00:17:31.999 And using every chance, Putin was travelling there in order to see them, 00:17:32.000 --> 00:17:35.879 to talk to them and to provide with any help they needed. 00:17:36.080 --> 00:17:39.399 We used to talk about different topics. 00:17:39.440 --> 00:17:42.999 When we were talking in a close circle, 00:17:43.000 --> 00:17:47.399 we were remembering our mothers, childhood. 00:17:47.400 --> 00:17:49.319 I was saying that it's really strange 00:17:49.359 --> 00:17:53.839 that we don't appreciate our moms while they are still alive, 00:17:53.840 --> 00:17:56.599 can't find time to come over spend time with her, 00:17:56.600 --> 00:17:58.879 listen to her give her a hug. 00:17:58.920 --> 00:18:02.599 And then he was also taking a walk down memory lane. 00:18:02.600 --> 00:18:05.599 I could feel that he was moved deeply. 00:18:17.040 --> 00:18:18.959 March 25th, 2000. 00:18:20.119 --> 00:18:25.759 Cold St Petersburg was founded by the great Russian Tzar Peter I, 00:18:25.760 --> 00:18:29.599 who built city on the sea and made it the capital. 00:18:29.600 --> 00:18:32.999 From these times it was representing the best of the country, 00:18:33.000 --> 00:18:35.439 but sometimes the worst of it too. 00:18:35.440 --> 00:18:37.759 But along with its glamour 00:18:37.760 --> 00:18:42.959 we also met the hard realities of Russia today. 00:18:43.000 --> 00:18:46.079 Maria Semyonova, who is 80 years old, 00:18:46.080 --> 00:18:49.999 is forced to live in a communal apartment together with 30 other people. 00:18:50.000 --> 00:18:53.799 The fair people should be In power 00:18:53.800 --> 00:19:00.759 so that we could see at least a bit of fair and honest life. 00:19:01.280 --> 00:19:04.559 Putin is better, he is better! 00:19:04.560 --> 00:19:05.559 By what? 00:19:05.560 --> 00:19:07.199 By everything! Everything! 00:19:07.240 --> 00:19:10.399 He'll do everything in a fair way, 00:19:10.400 --> 00:19:12.799 unless they'll wipe him out. 00:19:12.800 --> 00:19:15.959 Maria was planning to give her vote to the communists, 00:19:15.960 --> 00:19:19.159 but like many others she trusts Putin. 00:19:19.280 --> 00:19:22.159 I couldn’t imagine in my worst nightmare 00:19:22.160 --> 00:19:24.199 that I'll be ever running for president 00:19:24.200 --> 00:19:28.199 Cause I think it's absolutely dishonest thing. 00:19:28.520 --> 00:19:31.759 Don’t faugh, It's all about making promises, 00:19:31.800 --> 00:19:34.639 better than the ones of your competitors. 00:19:34.680 --> 00:19:37.399 The way election campaign was run, 00:19:37.400 --> 00:19:40.399 the way I managed to structure it. 00:19:40.400 --> 00:19:44.839 relieved me from this necessity to mislead large amounts of people. 00:19:47.200 --> 00:19:49.279 And I am glad about it. 00:19:49.320 --> 00:19:51.839 That's why tomorrow a normal working 00:19:51.840 --> 00:19:55.599 We'll have a meeting tomorrow, at 10 am... 00:19:59.800 --> 00:20:03.279 He called me and asked to come to work. 00:20:03.280 --> 00:20:10.599 I was telling him honestly that I won't manage, I am afraid... 00:20:10.600 --> 00:20:15.199 Are you afraid so much that your will is paralysed and you can't do anything? 00:20:15.400 --> 00:20:16.999 I am afraid too!'' - he said. 00:20:18.000 --> 00:20:20.399 It's a huge responsibility, I am afraid that I won't manage, 00:20:20.400 --> 00:20:24.999 but someone has to take care of this 00:20:25.000 --> 00:20:27.439 We were given this opportunity, 00:20:27.480 --> 00:20:32.358 let's try to give a boost to this country" 00:20:33.880 --> 00:20:38.199 I think that the most important question we started to ask ourselves 00:20:40.000 --> 00:20:41.399 was "what are we going to do next?" 00:20:41.400 --> 00:20:48.399 This was a serious question with no answer. 00:20:48.400 --> 00:20:51.199 Nobody was fully understanding what to do. 00:20:57.280 --> 00:20:59.559 Very often 00:20:59.600 --> 00:21:05.999 from the most ordinary people on the streets of our cities 00:21:06.280 --> 00:21:11.399 I heard very simple words but ones very important for me. 00:21:14.359 --> 00:21:17.399 They were telling me. We believe you, 00:21:17.600 --> 00:21:20.159 we are counting on you. 00:21:21.400 --> 00:21:23.999 Just please don't betray us." 00:21:26.400 --> 00:21:28.759 I can assure you, 00:21:28.760 --> 00:21:37.399 that I will act solely in country's best interests. 00:21:39.119 --> 00:21:42.759 Probably I won't avoid mistakes 00:21:42.840 --> 00:21:45.919 but what I can really promise, 00:21:45.920 --> 00:21:50.279 that I'll be working openly and honestly! 00:21:54.040 --> 00:21:55.799 [President of Russian Federation Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin] 00:21:56.440 --> 00:22:02.959 We made the first attempt to analyse the situation 00:22:05.400 --> 00:22:07.079 in economy, finance, social services, 00:22:07.119 --> 00:22:10.239 judicial and legal system. 00:22:10.240 --> 00:22:15.399 I remember how we were gathering sometimes in the evenings 00:22:15.400 --> 00:22:19.839 and... and somebody said 00:22:19.840 --> 00:22:23.879 It seems that we have Chechnya everywhere". 00:22:23.880 --> 00:22:26.239 Chechnya wasn’t a geographical thing, 00:22:26.240 --> 00:22:31.319 in reality Chechnya was practically in every field of work. 00:22:31.480 --> 00:22:33.159 Weakness of the state and authorities in 90s 00:22:34.600 --> 00:22:38.519 was causing a fear that the new authorities won't manage either 00:22:38.520 --> 00:22:44.479 and will be easily manipulated, by the oligarchs in particular. 00:22:44.720 --> 00:22:46.479 When you became a president, 00:22:46.480 --> 00:22:50.439 Russia was ruled by the powerful oligarchic clan. 00:22:50.440 --> 00:22:54.719 They were looking at you and thinking: "We'll eat him up". 00:22:54.720 --> 00:22:55.679 Yes. 00:22:55.720 --> 00:22:57.479 We'll make a deal". 00:22:57.480 --> 00:22:59.759 And among all these wolves 00:22:59.800 --> 00:23:02.239 who used to define the authorities 00:23:02.240 --> 00:23:04.799 and everything happening in the country in 90s, 00:23:04.800 --> 00:23:09.279 they not only needed to be taken down a notch but to be torn apart 00:23:09.280 --> 00:23:11.358 all opportunities being taken away from them. 00:23:11.400 --> 00:23:15.239 Well some of them when I was the Chairman of the Government, 00:23:15.280 --> 00:23:20.159 and after Yeltsin declared that I'll be running for president 00:23:20.200 --> 00:23:24.239 couple of them came to my office in the White House. 00:23:24.400 --> 00:23:27.279 they sat down opposite of me and said. 00:23:27.280 --> 00:23:31.399 You should understand that you'll NEVER be a president here". 00:23:31.400 --> 00:23:34.319 I answered them: "Well, we'll see". 00:23:34.320 --> 00:23:39.679 That's the kind of scenes I was having In this very White House. 00:23:39.680 --> 00:23:42.399 And how did you manage to take them down a notch? 00:23:42.400 --> 00:23:44.919 In different ways, using different means. 00:23:49.240 --> 00:23:53.959 I remember very vividly that summer meeting in 2000. 00:23:53.960 --> 00:23:58.319 This was actually a first meeting of president Putin 00:23:58.359 --> 00:24:01.358 with business representatives a large scale meeting. 00:24:04.160 --> 00:24:06.439 It was very important for us to hear 00:24:06.440 --> 00:24:08.999 what kind of a country Putin is building. 00:24:09.000 --> 00:24:11.199 And for Putin is was crucial to explain 00:24:11.200 --> 00:24:14.879 what kind of behavior he was expecting from us as businessmen. 00:24:14.920 --> 00:24:18.199 He told us right away: "No guys, it won't be possible to deny the heritage". 00:24:21.240 --> 00:24:25.199 I just wanted to draw your attention to the point 00:24:25.200 --> 00:24:29.239 that it was you who have been creating this state. 00:24:29.240 --> 00:24:35.118 Mainly though political and para-political structures under your control. 00:24:35.119 --> 00:24:41.319 That’s why you should have a better look in a mirror. 00:24:41.400 --> 00:24:44.239 Putin didn't have any aggression he was very calm. 00:24:44.280 --> 00:24:46.559 But the system will be built in a different way now. 00:24:46.560 --> 00:24:49.399 And everyone has to contribute to this system. 00:24:49.400 --> 00:24:51.239 What kind of contribution? 00:24:51.240 --> 00:24:54.118 Your business has to be transparent, 00:24:54.160 --> 00:24:56.199 you have to pay taxes 00:24:56.200 --> 00:25:00.599 you shouldn't sweat your workers 00:25:00.600 --> 00:25:04.279 but you should pay them reasonable salaries instead. 00:25:04.280 --> 00:25:05.999 In different words, 00:25:06.000 --> 00:25:09.479 right to existence and right to respect 00:25:09.480 --> 00:25:12.118 you will have to earn 00:25:12.119 --> 00:25:14.879 considering the mess you created by now. 00:25:14.880 --> 00:25:17.479 The biggest part of economy at that time 00:25:17.520 --> 00:25:20.439 was not even in grey, but in black zone. 00:25:20.480 --> 00:25:23.358 Salary in the envelopes 00:25:23.400 --> 00:25:25.799 not paying taxes. 00:25:25.800 --> 00:25:30.799 criminal outrage. 00:25:30.800 --> 00:25:34.479 Average pension in 2000 00:25:34.480 --> 00:25:35.439 (many people forgot about it already) 00:25:36.920 --> 00:25:39.839 was bit more than 800 rubles. 00:25:40.040 --> 00:25:43.599 And people weren't paid even this kind of pension for half a year. 00:25:43.600 --> 00:25:46.279 They weren’t paid salaries for half a year. 00:25:46.280 --> 00:25:48.679 Lots of people, even the majority of the country, 00:25:48.720 --> 00:25:51.079 was busy just trying to survive 00:25:52.520 --> 00:25:56.679 By the beginning of the 2000s many strategic enterprises 00:25:56.680 --> 00:25:59.358 were taken from the state control. 00:25:59.400 --> 00:26:03.118 Unemployment was high, there was large shady employment. 00:26:03.119 --> 00:26:08.199 This was happening around year 2000. 00:26:08.240 --> 00:26:11.959 Country he took into his hands, 00:26:11.960 --> 00:26:17.799 it was in a state of melting ice not even a ship 00:26:17.800 --> 00:26:20.519 which was slowly falling into oblivion. 00:26:27.600 --> 00:26:29.199 Kursk" is in trouble. 00:26:29.200 --> 00:26:31.719 We are talking about lives of 116 crew members... 00:26:31.760 --> 00:26:34.679 It seems that 7th compartment is drowned. 00:26:34.720 --> 00:26:36.839 It makes evacuation more difficult. 00:26:45.359 --> 00:26:48.999 We were sitting in a hall and waiting for Putin. 00:26:49.000 --> 00:26:51.479 I was sitting in the 2nd row, 00:26:51.480 --> 00:26:55.559 together with mariner's wives. 00:26:56.640 --> 00:27:00.279 Frankly speaking, I thought they will simply tear him to pieces. 00:27:03.840 --> 00:27:07.358 I was wondering how did he dare to come here? 00:27:07.359 --> 00:27:10.118 Didn't he realize what they will do to him? 00:27:10.119 --> 00:27:15.599 They were expecting that "Kursk" submarine will be recovered, saved. 00:27:15.640 --> 00:27:19.439 And at the same time they were realizing 00:27:19.480 --> 00:27:22.919 that it was probably hopeless. 00:27:22.920 --> 00:27:25.719 There was such energy there... 00:27:25.720 --> 00:27:32.039 a bundle of hate... and despair... and pain... 00:27:32.040 --> 00:27:38.439 Never in my whole life I felt anything like this. 00:27:38.440 --> 00:27:42.239 Every question was directed to this single man. 00:27:42.480 --> 00:27:44.919 Let her speak don't stop her. 00:27:46.480 --> 00:27:48.479 The question is. 00:27:49.720 --> 00:27:56.039 that it was hard to imagine, for me as well, I am frank with you, 00:27:56.040 --> 00:28:01.839 we didn't know that our country is in such a tough situation, 00:28:01.840 --> 00:28:04.399 that our Army Forces are in tough situation, 00:28:04.440 --> 00:28:07.159 that our fleet is ... 00:28:07.800 --> 00:28:12.519 is in breakdown state or in tough situation at least. 00:28:12.520 --> 00:28:16.839 So, everything is in such a state, that I could never imagine. 00:28:16.840 --> 00:28:20.358 Everything is ruined! Not a damn thing left! 00:28:20.680 --> 00:28:23.439 A woman next to me fainted 00:28:23.440 --> 00:28:26.479 few minutes after this conversation started. 00:28:26.760 --> 00:28:29.118 She was yelling something, 00:28:29.119 --> 00:28:32.239 they were interrupting him in the beginning. 00:28:32.760 --> 00:28:37.999 Clearly they were more eager to speak up than to listen to him. 00:28:38.000 --> 00:28:42.039 And... at some point he even fell silent 00:28:42.040 --> 00:28:44.639 and was only listening to them talk. 00:28:44.640 --> 00:28:47.959 But then he started to respond after all. 00:28:48.040 --> 00:28:52.039 If I only could, you know, I would get in there myself! 00:28:52.040 --> 00:28:53.999 I was getting in there before. as you already know. 00:28:54.000 --> 00:28:58.959 None of our or foreign specialists can reach 8th compartment. 00:28:58.960 --> 00:29:01.959 In order to... for lifting it up... 00:29:02.000 --> 00:29:04.039 I am taking responsibility for my words, 00:29:04.080 --> 00:29:06.679 I could tell you lots of things and run away. 00:29:06.680 --> 00:29:08.799 I am telling you how things really are. 00:29:08.840 --> 00:29:12.519 This is the bitter truth but it's TRUTH. 00:29:12.520 --> 00:29:14.279 The way it really is. 00:29:14.280 --> 00:29:16.399 At some point I realized 00:29:16.400 --> 00:29:20.439 that together with him all of them crossed the line 00:29:20.440 --> 00:29:26.239 which was separating their husbands lives from death. 00:29:26.720 --> 00:29:30.879 Together with him they crossed it over and moved on. 00:29:34.440 --> 00:29:36.919 We mapped out plans then, 00:29:36.920 --> 00:29:40.279 which were aimed at... I'd describe it with one word. 00:29:40.280 --> 00:29:43.199 glueing the country. 00:29:43.360 --> 00:29:46.519 Because at that moment, excuse my French, 00:29:46.520 --> 00:29:48.799 country was scattering like porridge. 00:29:50.640 --> 00:29:57.839 It was in fashion then to disparage Federal centre and central authorities. 00:29:57.880 --> 00:30:00.559 Back then any governor could take the liberty 00:30:00.600 --> 00:30:02.399 to ignore president's invitation. 00:30:02.400 --> 00:30:02.999 Head of Sakha Republic announced 00:30:04.960 --> 00:30:09.239 that we should lease out all our treasures to Japan, 00:30:09.280 --> 00:30:14.519 just let them pay to every Yakut some amount of dollars 00:30:14.520 --> 00:30:16.799 and everything is going to be all right. 00:30:22.200 --> 00:30:23.079 At the time when every region was governing itself 00:30:23.120 --> 00:30:27.559 making its own laws and controlling execution of its own laws, 00:30:27.880 --> 00:30:32.599 these were the signs of losing the country, 00:30:32.600 --> 00:30:34.519 as a sovereign state. 00:30:47.120 --> 00:30:49.399 At that moment our Republic 00:30:50.240 --> 00:30:55.199 wasn't fully in legal framework of the Russian Federation. 00:30:56.440 --> 00:31:00.799 And Vladimir Vladimirovich said very calmly. 00:31:00.800 --> 00:31:06.199 Tatarstan has to be fully incorporated in legal framework of Russian Federation". 00:31:06.240 --> 00:31:09.759 Wash out Putin in Hague Tribunal!" No Tatatarstan’s bread for empire's suckers!" 00:31:09.800 --> 00:31:14.359 It would be fair to adopt a special program on social and economic development of Tatarstan 00:31:14.360 --> 00:31:19.599 under conditions of full incorporation into legal framework of Russian Federation. 00:31:19.640 --> 00:31:23.439 And he said: "This is correct presentation of the problem". 00:31:23.440 --> 00:31:26.999 I must say that it was done in couple of months. 00:31:35.960 --> 00:31:39.439 First winter, the first president's winter, 00:31:40.680 --> 00:31:42.759 in the Russian Far East. 00:31:42.760 --> 00:31:45.999 There were left without heating 00:31:46.000 --> 00:31:49.839 250 thousand, then 300, 400 thousand people, 00:31:49.840 --> 00:31:52.039 entire cities and villages. 00:31:52.400 --> 00:31:55.639 Hospitals weren't functioning because of cold, 00:31:55.640 --> 00:31:57.559 no heating at all. 00:31:58.560 --> 00:32:01.999 Complete chaos... 00:32:02.000 --> 00:32:05.639 vertical power structure, putting it mildly, 00:32:05.680 --> 00:32:09.119 is probably not restored yet 00:32:09.120 --> 00:32:11.519 the way Putin needed. 00:32:11.560 --> 00:32:14.199 Everything is working dreadfully. 00:32:14.200 --> 00:32:16.519 Mine workers are on the street. 00:32:16.520 --> 00:32:19.319 There is no work mines are closed. 00:32:19.360 --> 00:32:23.239 At the same time in Central Siberia 00:32:23.280 --> 00:32:26.759 large piles of coal are lying at the harbors. 00:32:26.760 --> 00:32:30.799 Coal which is already sold and awaiting the shipment 00:32:30.800 --> 00:32:33.519 to the buyers outside of Russia. 00:32:33.520 --> 00:32:36.439 And then president made the decision 00:32:36.440 --> 00:32:38.959 that it should be stopped immediately, 00:32:38.960 --> 00:32:42.039 coal should be sent to the boiler stations on the territory of Russia. 00:32:42.360 --> 00:32:47.999 Putin could solve this problem by manual control only. 00:32:48.000 --> 00:32:50.959 Radiators, iron radiators, 00:32:50.960 --> 00:32:53.159 were transported by airplanes 00:32:53.160 --> 00:32:57.919 This was absurd, indeed in regard of effectivity and costs. 00:32:57.920 --> 00:33:01.279 However, it was absolutely justified 00:33:01.320 --> 00:33:04.039 in regard of preventing people from freezing. 00:33:05.840 --> 00:33:09.959 Heads of 24 cities and regions were fired. 00:33:10.000 --> 00:33:16.839 By president's order they were rousted from warm beds at night 00:33:16.840 --> 00:33:22.199 and forced to write resignation letters right at the doorstep. 00:33:22.200 --> 00:33:24.599 Criminal charges were brought. 00:33:24.600 --> 00:33:30.559 One way or another, they started to wake up somehow, 00:33:30.600 --> 00:33:36.279 those who retained their job positions. 00:33:36.280 --> 00:33:40.119 This was an important and serious example 00:33:40.120 --> 00:33:43.279 and both authorities and the president showed that there is power in the country, 00:33:43.320 --> 00:33:44.559 strong power. 00:33:47.560 --> 00:33:49.719 January 20, 2001 00:34:09.480 --> 00:34:12.717 When George Bush became President 00:34:12.880 --> 00:34:17.478 he started making some strong statements on human rights issues 00:34:17.520 --> 00:34:22.478 favourite passages about democracy, Chechnya, freedom of the media 00:34:22.520 --> 00:34:24.599 a standard set of criticisms. 00:34:24.719 --> 00:34:31.518 And for a half year or so, there was a sort of ping-pong of harsh statements. 00:34:31.639 --> 00:34:34.279 Washington raised the temperature. 00:34:34.400 --> 00:34:37.399 Moscow raised the temperature too. 00:34:37.520 --> 00:34:39.918 For a long time Washington made it clear 00:34:40.000 --> 00:34:42.879 it was not prepared to talk to Moscow face to face. 00:34:42.960 --> 00:34:44.759 But now the situation has changed. 00:34:44.920 --> 00:34:48.199 Today George Bush and Vladimir Putin shook hands for the first time 00:34:48.320 --> 00:34:51.319 in the Brdo Castle 40 km from Slovenia's capital - Ljubljana. 00:34:51.440 --> 00:34:51.998 The President listens carefully to our arguments and hears them. 00:34:55.159 --> 00:34:58.519 Can you trust Russia? I'm not going to answer this question. 00:35:00.400 --> 00:35:03.639 I'll ask you the same question. 00:35:05.280 --> 00:35:08.399 I'll answer this question. I looked the man in the eye. 00:35:08.520 --> 00:35:12.639 I found him to be very straightforward and trustworthy. 00:35:12.719 --> 00:35:14.679 00:35:18.960 --> 00:35:20.079 I was able to get a sense of his soul 00:35:20.120 --> 00:35:24.519 a man deeply committed to his country and the best interests of his country. 00:35:25.760 --> 00:35:29.639 We can guess that this phrase was not prepared in advance 00:35:29.680 --> 00:35:34.839 but was his spontaneous improvised reaction 00:35:34.960 --> 00:35:38.879 to his first impression of talking to the Russian President, 00:35:39.000 --> 00:35:45.679 which is confirmed by the fact that within 7 years they met 18 times! 00:35:46.560 --> 00:35:51.879 In terms of personal relations, Bush and Putin got on really well. 00:35:51.960 --> 00:35:56.279 They joked and laughed a lot 00:35:56.400 --> 00:36:01.119 But by that time the USA were already convinced 00:36:01.320 --> 00:36:06.879 that Russia had entered a mode of some colonial democracy, 00:36:06.920 --> 00:36:13.238 that we were firmly on the IMF hook, 00:36:13.320 --> 00:36:19.039 that we should continue to get instructions from foreign experts 00:36:19.160 --> 00:36:23.359 on how to develop our economy on where to pump our oil to... 00:36:23.440 --> 00:36:26.119 But from the outside, everything looked very correct 00:36:26.200 --> 00:36:31.439 pats on the back words of encouragement guys, you're on the right track, and so on. 00:36:31.560 --> 00:36:33.319 At that time, we all had illusions. 00:36:33.400 --> 00:36:37.439 It seemed to us that after the Soviet Union had collapsed 00:36:37.560 --> 00:36:40.718 and after Russia had voluntarily agreed I'd like to stress it 00:36:40.840 --> 00:36:45.919 voluntarily and consciously agreed to absolute historic limitations 00:36:46.000 --> 00:36:50.959 the renunciation of its own territories, production assets 00:36:50.960 --> 00:36:53.199 and so on and so forth... 00:36:53.320 --> 00:36:57.199 It seemed to us that after the disappearance of the ideological component 00:36:57.320 --> 00:37:01.679 that used to separate the former USSR from the rest of the civilized world, 00:37:01.880 --> 00:37:05.919 The prison walls would crash... Content, At door would freedom wait to meet us, 00:37:05.920 --> 00:37:08.919 Our brothers, hastening to greet us, To us the sword will glad present." [Pushkin] 00:37:09.040 --> 00:37:11.279 By "brothers" we understood those abroad. 00:37:11.320 --> 00:37:14.599 But the "brothers" were not only in no haste to present the sword to us, 00:37:14.719 --> 00:37:21.119 but would have been glad to take the remnants of the USSR military might. 00:37:21.200 --> 00:37:24.679 There is a lot of disillusion in your words. 00:37:24.800 --> 00:37:31.639 Yes as I said, for almost 20 years I worked for the KGB, in foreign intelligence. 00:37:31.680 --> 00:37:36.759 And even I believed that once the ideological barrier had fallen 00:37:36.880 --> 00:37:41.039 and the Communist Party no longer had a monopoly on power, 00:37:41.120 --> 00:37:43.119 everything would change fundamentally. 00:37:43.239 --> 00:37:46.519 No. There hasn't been any fundamental change. 00:37:46.600 --> 00:37:48.559 Because, as it turns out 00:37:48.719 --> 00:37:53.079 such simple things but they don't occur to you at once 00:37:53.200 --> 00:37:57.559 there are also geopolitical interests, that have nothing to do with any ideology. 00:37:57.719 --> 00:38:03.718 And our partners should have realised that such country as Russia 00:38:03.800 --> 00:38:07.319 has - and cannot but have its own geopolitical interests, 00:38:07.440 --> 00:38:10.439 and that we should treat each other with respect 00:38:10.560 --> 00:38:15.639 and seek mutually beneficial solutions. 00:38:15.680 --> 00:38:19.399 But respect is based on strength and fairness of your position. 00:38:19.520 --> 00:38:22.718 Yes, yes... One well-known person once said. 00:38:22.760 --> 00:38:28.119 You can get much farther with a kind word and a Smith & Wesson 00:38:28.239 --> 00:38:30.759 than you can with a kind word alone. 00:38:30.880 --> 00:38:32.519 Unfortunately, he was right. 00:38:32.680 --> 00:38:35.718 You had the kind word, but not the Smith & Wesson. 00:38:35.880 --> 00:38:38.519 And you had to restore the army to a large extent, 00:38:38.600 --> 00:38:41.479 to revive the economy to save the military-industrial complex... 00:38:41.600 --> 00:38:44.119 Yes, it’s true... 00:38:44.160 --> 00:38:47.519 But we had to start with the economy, of course. 00:38:47.640 --> 00:38:49.718 We had large debts. 00:38:49.800 --> 00:38:53.759 I remember, the January of 2001 was the most difficult time. 00:38:53.840 --> 00:38:57.159 We got together in the first days of January 00:38:57.320 --> 00:39:03.519 and discussed if we were able to carry on servicing our external debt, 00:39:03.600 --> 00:39:05.559 if we were up to it. 00:39:05.680 --> 00:39:10.559 The debt was 140% of GDP. That was the worst-case scenario. 00:39:10.640 --> 00:39:15.718 The interest on debt gobbled up a third of the budget, roughly speaking. 00:39:15.840 --> 00:39:20.279 So that was the debt that Putin got in the situation the country was in 00:39:20.400 --> 00:39:22.599 When got the picture, more or less, 00:39:23.320 --> 00:39:26.718 that we were entering a completely new phase 00:39:26.840 --> 00:39:31.999 we realised we didn't have any new mechanisms, this is first, 00:39:32.080 --> 00:39:37.839 and second, we unfortunately didn't have enough people 00:39:37.920 --> 00:39:41.718 who could come up with some suggestions in the situation. 00:39:41.760 --> 00:39:46.479 Putin was on very good terms with president of the World Bank - James Wolfensohn. 00:39:46.520 --> 00:39:48.399 We made an agreement with Wolfensohn 00:39:48.480 --> 00:39:53.039 that he would bring in a number of world's leading specialists. 00:39:53.160 --> 00:39:57.639 So we would meet with those outstanding world's leading experts 00:39:57.719 --> 00:40:02.319 and Vladimir Vladimirovich would spend 3-4 hours talking to them. 00:40:02.480 --> 00:40:04.718 He asked a lot of questions 00:40:04.880 --> 00:40:08.399 He was keen to learn about other countries' experience, 00:40:08.520 --> 00:40:11.359 about possibilities that we had. 00:40:13.160 --> 00:40:16.799 The first four years, we didn't have the majority in Parliament. 00:40:16.880 --> 00:40:21.718 We had to work hard with different fractions to get one or another decision through. 00:40:26.760 --> 00:40:30.799 We were making reforms with massive support from Putin. 00:40:30.920 --> 00:40:34.119 It was enough for us to feel that he was behind us 00:40:34.239 --> 00:40:36.959 and we knew that he would support us if need be. 00:40:37.120 --> 00:40:41.479 We adopted a 10-year development programme for the country. 00:40:41.600 --> 00:40:46.519 If we look at the facts, before Putin, even in the new Russia, 00:40:46.600 --> 00:40:50.439 there wasn't anything similar to this 10-year programme. 00:40:59.200 --> 00:41:01.599 I heard a loud bang, the windows were smashed, 00:41:01.680 --> 00:41:05.238 I saw people jumping out of the windows, they tried to survive. 00:41:05.360 --> 00:41:07.799 My God. it was so terrifying. 00:41:09.640 --> 00:41:14.199 September 11, 2001. I remember it as if it were yesterday. 00:41:14.320 --> 00:41:17.399 My assistant rushes in and tells me to turn on the TV quickly. 00:41:17.520 --> 00:41:22.959 I turn on the CNN and see that terrible footage. 00:41:23.120 --> 00:41:26.759 President Putin was the first to call President Bush. 00:41:26.880 --> 00:41:30.039 That call was the natural reaction of the President 00:41:30.080 --> 00:41:33.759 who totally understood what the international terrorism is. 00:41:36.920 --> 00:41:40.879 Russia has first-hand knowledge of terrorism. 00:41:44.280 --> 00:41:45.238 That's why we can best of all 00:41:45.320 --> 00:41:49.839 understand the feelings of the American people. 00:41:50.000 --> 00:41:54.519 Addressing the people of the USA on behalf of Russia 00:41:54.560 --> 00:41:58.238 I would like to say that we are together with you. 00:42:00.200 --> 00:42:03.639 I call the President and he asks me What are your first suggestions? 00:42:03.760 --> 00:42:06.639 I say, I've got one first suggestion 00:42:06.719 --> 00:42:16.399 Our nuclear forces are due to hold drills on September 12, which was planned earlier. 00:42:16.520 --> 00:42:20.079 So what do you suggest he asks. 00:42:20.200 --> 00:42:25.479 It's up to you to decide, I say. But I think we should cancel these drills. 00:42:25.600 --> 00:42:29.559 Good, he says. I support your suggestion. 00:42:29.719 --> 00:42:34.319 Let's not get on the nerves of Americans. Why to get on their nerves at such a moment? 00:42:34.440 --> 00:42:41.718 there was fighting going on in Chechnya 00:42:41.840 --> 00:42:46.919 and the terrorists who were taking part in it 00:42:47.080 --> 00:42:50.919 including foreigners from many different countries 00:42:51.000 --> 00:42:55.439 were referred to by Americans as freedom fighters" or "insurgents" at best. 00:42:56.600 --> 00:43:01.519 Once our special services documented what were simply direct contacts 00:43:01.640 --> 00:43:04.759 between militants from the North Caucasus 00:43:04.880 --> 00:43:09.519 and representatives of US special forces 00:43:09.560 --> 00:43:11.679 in Azerbaijan. 00:43:11.719 --> 00:43:15.919 They helped even with transport. 00:43:16.080 --> 00:43:21.559 And when I spoke about that to the then President of the US, 00:43:21.719 --> 00:43:25.959 he said - sorry, I will speak plainly I'll kick their asses". 00:43:26.120 --> 00:43:33.639 But 10 days later, my subordinates, the FSB heads, 00:43:33.719 --> 00:43:37.079 received a letter from their colleagues in Washington. 00:43:37.160 --> 00:43:43.959 We have had and will have relations with all the opposition forces in Russia. 00:43:44.080 --> 00:43:48.119 We consider we have the right to do this and we will do this in future. 00:43:48.200 --> 00:43:53.679 On no account, never and nowhere must you even try to use terrorists 00:43:53.760 --> 00:44:01.238 to solve your transitory political and even geopolitical tasks. 00:44:01.280 --> 00:44:05.559 Because if you support them in one place they will raise their head in another. 00:44:05.719 --> 00:44:09.319 And they will inevitably strike those who supported them yesterday. 00:44:09.400 --> 00:44:11.519 But you did warn the Western partners. 00:44:11.640 --> 00:44:14.919 You told them - why are you supporting terrorists; it will come back to you. 00:44:14.960 --> 00:44:18.279 Yes of course. But some people thought 00:44:18.480 --> 00:44:21.799 especially those in special forces of Western countries 00:44:21.880 --> 00:44:28.639 that if someone is working to destabilise their main geopolitical opponent 00:44:28.719 --> 00:44:33.519 which as we realise now has always been Russia in their minds 00:44:33.640 --> 00:44:35.718 then it is generally to their benefit. 00:44:35.760 --> 00:44:38.319 It turned out that's not the case 00:44:40.960 --> 00:44:44.079 We continue to live in the old system of values. 00:44:44.200 --> 00:44:46.119 we are talking about partnership, 00:44:46.239 --> 00:44:50.159 but in reality we have not yet learned to trust each other. 00:44:50.320 --> 00:44:53.039 In spite of a plethora of sweet words, 00:44:53.080 --> 00:44:57.238 we are still surreptitiously opposed to each other. 00:44:57.320 --> 00:45:02.959 Today we must say once and for all. the Cold War is done with! 00:45:03.080 --> 00:45:07.999 Today we must say that we renounce our stereotypes and ambitions 00:45:08.080 --> 00:45:10.439 and from now on will jointly work 00:45:10.520 --> 00:45:14.599 for the security of the people of Europe and the world as a whole. 00:45:14.680 --> 00:45:18.718 Today decisions are often taken, without our participation 00:45:18.800 --> 00:45:22.479 and we are only urged afterwards to support such decisions. 00:45:22.520 --> 00:45:26.119 After that they talk again about loyalty to NATO. 00:45:26.200 --> 00:45:30.079 They even say that such decisions cannot be implemented without Russia. 00:45:30.160 --> 00:45:36.718 Let us ask ourselves: is this normal? Is this true partnership? 00:46:03.600 --> 00:46:10.718 After 11th September, 2011, the USA began to assert that their activities in the world... 00:46:12.840 --> 00:46:14.839 is explained by the struggle with the international terrorism. 00:46:15.400 --> 00:46:18.479 This was illustrated most brightly by the situation with Iraq. 00:46:21.520 --> 00:46:28.359 Side by side, the Premier Minister and Russian President look quite natural in Putin's country 00:46:28.840 --> 00:46:31.039 Despite the cold weather, the meeting turned warm. 00:46:32.440 --> 00:46:35.919 to freeze. - I hope, no. 00:46:37.239 --> 00:46:39.119 This is a very beautiful place. Thank you. 00:46:39.640 --> 00:46:43.879 The friendliness of the two leaders didn't help to remove the controversy on Iraq problem. 00:46:44.440 --> 00:46:48.439 The President Putin rejected the document of the Britain government on massive weapon... 00:46:48.680 --> 00:46:51.839 which was named "propaganda" by the Russian foreign minister. 00:46:52.400 --> 00:46:57.238 The two leaders agreed on the necessity of check out the weapon. 00:46:58.719 --> 00:47:01.999 Maybe, there is another point of view concerning the question... 00:47:02.520 --> 00:47:07.439 to what extent we may be sure in existence of massive weapon in Iraq. 00:47:08.200 --> 00:47:14.039 There is one reliable way to learn this: to permit observers to do their job. 00:47:14.440 --> 00:47:18.519 The support of Russia, the permanent member of the UN Security Council,... 00:47:18.840 --> 00:47:22.718 of a new important UN resolution on Iraq will be significant success. 00:47:23.040 --> 00:47:25.439 But this advance is very slow. 00:47:26.040 --> 00:47:28.879 Russia intends to protect its interests in Iraq. 00:47:29.239 --> 00:47:31.919 Diplomats have a lot of work. 00:47:33.840 --> 00:47:37.679 Everybody understood the highest responsibility of the moment... 00:47:38.480 --> 00:47:42.479 for Iraq, for the region, and for the international system as a whole. 00:47:50.120 --> 00:47:55.439 The State Secretary of the USA again accused Baghdad that it still had an arsenal... 00:47:55.440 --> 00:47:59.439 of chemical and biological weapons and means of their delivery. 00:48:01.640 --> 00:48:09.319 To emphasize the threat from Iraq, Colin Powell demonstrated a "real evidence". 00:48:10.440 --> 00:48:19.839 One teaspoon of the dry-powder anthrax was enough to close the US Senate in autumn of 2001. 00:48:20.480 --> 00:48:30.839 We've received information from our American colleagues that Iraq authorities are linked with al 00:48:31.320 --> 00:48:37.839 Our American friends have recently announced this at the UN Security Council. 00:48:40.640 --> 00:48:48.238 I've been in politics not so long. Before, I worked in secret service. 00:48:48.800 --> 00:48:51.119 I believed I knew everything from "inside". 00:48:52.040 --> 00:48:58.718 When I came to politics, I understood that my Russian colleagues and I,... 00:48:59.040 --> 00:49:05.479 and French, and other colleagues from special agencies are just children compared with 00:49:08.640 --> 00:49:12.519 The route Moscow - Berlin - Paris is considered to be symbolic. 00:49:13.040 --> 00:49:16.718 The three countries still have a consolidated approach to the solution of the Iraq problem. 00:49:19.280 --> 00:49:27.559 Along with France, Germany, and overwhelming majority of participants of the international 00:49:28.080 --> 00:49:32.359 that the Iraq problem may be and should be resolved diplomatically. 00:49:39.160 --> 00:49:47.279 Despite active resistance of the international community, the USA launched this war. 00:49:48.560 --> 00:49:53.679 I was summoned by President Putin. Bombardments had already begun. 00:49:54.280 --> 00:49:59.079 At that time, there were 3,500 of our specialists there. 00:50:00.080 --> 00:50:03.759 They were not allowed to be evacuated. 00:50:05.080 --> 00:50:15.959 I addressed insistently to Saddam Hussein referring to the errand of my President. 00:50:17.160 --> 00:50:20.559 Saddam allowed doing that according to a special time-table 00:50:20.880 --> 00:50:25.679 Our specialists were evacuated, nobody suffered. 00:50:32.560 --> 00:50:42.279 President Putin had regular meetings with President Chirac and Chancellor Schroeder. 00:50:42.560 --> 00:50:44.759 They discussed global problems. 00:50:45.080 --> 00:50:49.479 It was absolutely clear that the configuration of the world was changing. 00:50:49.960 --> 00:51:00.279 If Europe was united and large, it could have its own opinion, it would only won. 00:51:00.880 --> 00:51:11.079 The concept of big Europe from Vladivostok to Lisbon was aimed at serious interaction. 00:51:11.360 --> 00:51:13.959 This responded to requirements of the XXI century. 00:51:14.360 --> 00:51:18.679 Unfortunately, this mechanism was not brought into 00:51:18.680 --> 00:51:26.479 after the retirement of President Chirac and Chancellor Schroeder. 00:51:27.080 --> 00:51:29.119 It seemed to have been very promising. 00:51:39.960 --> 00:51:43.159 I have not met such hard-working people. 00:51:45.360 --> 00:51:51.599 He goes to bed very late and may ring up early in the morning. When does he sleep? 00:51:52.960 --> 00:52:01.079 He can focus on one subject and, after a short time, on another. 00:52:05.880 --> 00:52:11.279 He has an important property, the ability to listen. 00:52:12.760 --> 00:52:18.479 He listens to everybody, he provides possibility for everyone to speak out, sometimes more than 00:52:20.360 --> 00:52:24.718 Due to this, conferences can test for many hours, breaking a schedule very often. 00:52:25.760 --> 00:52:33.959 He is often late. This problem actually exists, also for journalists who write about Putin. 00:52:34.280 --> 00:52:36.159 We have gone through much In this sense. 00:52:38.960 --> 00:52:44.159 I was a witness a couple of times why these delays happen. 00:52:44.560 --> 00:52:54.759 For example, I asked an additional question at a meeting with journalists, already when leaving. 00:52:55.080 --> 00:52:57.159 He says: "And you, Andrei, stay here." 00:52:57.880 --> 00:53:02.279 And I understood at once what happens with him in real life. 00:53:03.160 --> 00:53:06.799 He has infinite calls. 00:53:07.160 --> 00:53:13.599 I saw how he was diverted from the conversation with me. 00:53:14.320 --> 00:53:17.519 The Minister of Finances, Alexei Kudrin, rang up. 00:53:18.000 --> 00:53:22.079 And there was an intensive conversation with him for about 20 minutes. 00:53:22.480 --> 00:53:25.238 He surely had to be late somewhere else due to 00:53:25.600 --> 00:53:32.238 Kudrin believed that it was necessary to give 11 billion dollars to the Paris Club. 00:53:32.680 --> 00:53:38.479 This was a difficult and a sort of historical solution. 00:53:38.760 --> 00:53:40.999 I asked: "What have you decided?" - "Maybe, we'll give." 00:53:44.560 --> 00:53:48.399 About a week later the news said. 00:53:49.280 --> 00:53:51.479 Russia returns debts to Paris Club." 00:53:53.200 --> 00:54:04.879 Putin's position was that debts of Russia had to be as small as possible. 00:54:05.800 --> 00:54:11.279 He believed it was necessary to reduce dependency of Russia on IMF. 00:54:11.800 --> 00:54:15.479 He understood that Russia had to be an independent country. 00:54:16.280 --> 00:54:20.279 It would be difficult to o and be in a critical situation. 00:54:25.880 --> 00:54:31.279 We were absolutely import-dependent country until 1998. 00:54:31.880 --> 00:54:39.799 I remember how 2,000 people In Krasnoufimsk stood and yelled: "Give us insulin!" 00:54:40.600 --> 00:54:42.679 I think, it was necessary for someone. 00:54:43.600 --> 00:54:48.999 The new president gave me a hope and a message. 00:54:49.280 --> 00:54:54.119 it's time to stop buying-selling and to take up production. 00:54:54.400 --> 00:55:02.919 We decided: let's build a pharmaceutical European standard plant. 00:55:03.200 --> 00:55:05.479 Our goal was to achieve a very high level. 00:55:06.880 --> 00:55:16.599 It was a direct interference of Vladimir Vladimirovich in a foreign lobby against its pressure. 00:55:16.880 --> 00:55:21.079 Everybody told me: "Five teams have failed! What do you want to do?" 00:55:21.680 --> 00:55:28.799 I'm an ordinary man; Putin just helped me to implement my idea. 00:55:31.040 --> 00:55:35.879 We created 300 working places for young jobless girls. 00:55:36.400 --> 00:55:42.079 We understood that along with economical problems, we resolved a greater problem. 00:55:42.840 --> 00:55:47.919 Today, we have insulin much enough to assure the drug safety of Russia. 00:55:48.600 --> 00:55:52.399 There are supplies to other countries and supplies to the EC are under preparation. 00:55:52.800 --> 00:55:53.879 It is a victory, isn't it? 00:55:54.400 --> 00:55:58.199 What moments do you have in memory as the most tragic and difficult? 00:55:58.880 --> 00:56:01.679 Of course, these were the terrible terrorist acts. 00:56:01.680 --> 00:56:06.439 The terror attacks on the school in Beslan on the Dubrovka Theatre in Moscow. 00:56:06.520 --> 00:56:11.839 Those were perhaps the most tragic moments 00:56:11.960 --> 00:56:15.999 which all our people had to go through. 00:56:20.719 --> 00:56:23.959 Do you remember the Nord-Ost? That was not an ordinary terror attack. 00:56:24.080 --> 00:56:30.199 The seizure of the building the seizure of hostages. 00:56:31.640 --> 00:56:35.879 I kept Putin informed on a non-stop basis, day and night. 00:56:36.000 --> 00:56:39.959 At that time he didn’t leave his workplace. 00:56:43.360 --> 00:56:48.079 A lot of people thought that the main task was to destroy the terrorists. 00:56:48.160 --> 00:56:51.319 No, the main task was to save the people. 00:56:51.400 --> 00:56:53.559 It was night already. 00:56:53.680 --> 00:56:57.679 I was cut off from my security guards and let in there. 00:56:57.800 --> 00:57:03.159 I met the leader of those terrorists ovsar arayev. 00:57:03.280 --> 00:57:09.359 He was without a mask, but there were masked gunmen around. 00:57:09.480 --> 00:57:13.279 I tell him, let the women and children go 00:57:13.360 --> 00:57:18.159 Nowhere in the Koran does it say that you can fight with women and children. 00:57:20.600 --> 00:57:28.439 And he replies, if there is no order to pull the troops out of Chechnya 00:57:28.480 --> 00:57:31.359 he meant the Russian troops 00:57:31.440 --> 00:57:35.079 from 10 o'clock in the morning 00:57:35.240 --> 00:57:38.239 every half an hour, 00:57:38.320 --> 00:57:41.279 I will shoot one person. 00:57:48.960 --> 00:57:53.839 after that I went to Vladimir Vladimirovich. 00:57:53.880 --> 00:57:59.199 Of course he was worried and you could see his jaw muscles move. 00:57:59.320 --> 00:58:01.679 Of course... 00:58:01.800 --> 00:58:07.879 He didn't tell me that there would be a raid at 4 o'clock. 00:58:13.320 --> 00:58:17.319 Careful! Don't touch the wires 00:58:22.440 --> 00:58:23.999 It was a severe test. 00:58:27.840 --> 00:58:31.479 He's had too many of them during his time in office. 00:58:31.600 --> 00:58:37.279 No President in no country have met with so many adversities. 00:58:37.440 --> 00:58:39.239 Not a one 00:58:42.040 --> 00:58:45.799 And every of them, naturally, 00:58:45.920 --> 00:58:51.039 is a heavy burden on his shoulders, on his mind, on his heart. 00:58:58.360 --> 00:59:01.919 It was the most terrible day for me. 00:59:02.040 --> 00:59:05.239 I couldn't imagine myself without Akhmad Kadyrov. 00:59:10.280 --> 00:59:15.839 After Akhmad-Khaji died, he invited me to his office. 00:59:15.880 --> 00:59:22.719 The President of Chechnya Akhmad-Khaji Kadyrov 00:59:22.800 --> 00:59:28.679 served his people with dignity and courage. 00:59:28.760 --> 00:59:33.199 Throughout all these years, he covered Chechnya and the Chechens with his own body 00:59:33.280 --> 00:59:36.879 and he firmly led his republic to peaceful life. 00:59:37.000 --> 00:59:40.839 Akhmad-Khaji Kadyrov departed this life on the 9th of May, 00:59:40.920 --> 00:59:46.239 on the day when all our nation celebrate Victory Day. 00:59:46.360 --> 00:59:50.399 And he left undefeated. 00:59:53.080 --> 00:59:57.479 In the first Chechen campaign, I fought against the federal centre, it's no secret. 00:59:57.560 --> 01:00:01.399 We remember how we took Grozny. 01:00:01.480 --> 01:00:03.759 Then we left Grozny. 01:00:03.880 --> 01:00:06.719 We remember what was the position of the federal centre. 01:00:06.800 --> 01:00:10.439 That's why there was mistrust towards the federal centre. 01:00:10.520 --> 01:00:15.879 And the majority of young people went to the woods to the mountains... 01:00:19.960 --> 01:00:22.559 I was 17 I was young. 01:00:22.680 --> 01:00:27.199 Everyone was called to war. So I went too. 01:00:27.280 --> 01:00:28.919 There were different people there 01:00:29.800 --> 01:00:33.479 Arabs, people from Jordan, from Africa too. 01:00:33.600 --> 01:00:36.559 Well, mercenaries. They came to fight for money. 01:00:36.640 --> 01:00:38.879 We were not paid. 01:00:38.920 --> 01:00:43.079 We thought we were fighting for our people for freedom. 01:00:43.640 --> 01:00:47.359 In 1999 the second campaign began. 01:00:47.480 --> 01:00:49.879 The federals had me on their wanted list. 01:00:50.040 --> 01:00:54.079 So I couldn't stay at home I went to the woods again. 01:00:54.200 --> 01:00:56.799 There were guys who had been granted an amnesty. 01:00:56.920 --> 01:01:00.159 As soon as Akhmad-Khaji died the gossip was spread 01:01:00.240 --> 01:01:02.399 that they would be persecuted. 01:01:02.480 --> 01:01:05.799 There was panic in the republic. 01:01:05.920 --> 01:01:11.559 When I was on a visit in Moscow, I went to President. 01:01:11.680 --> 01:01:14.079 I told him about our situation 01:01:14.160 --> 01:01:17.559 and said that we need an opportunity to legalize them somehow. 01:01:17.640 --> 01:01:21.079 They were ready to fight for Russia for our people. 01:01:21.200 --> 01:01:25.719 I remember how difficult it was to make that decision. 01:01:25.840 --> 01:01:32.879 In the end, we granted an amnesty to over 7 000 people. 01:01:33.000 --> 01:01:37.559 President Putin, we are with you and with the people. 01:01:47.120 --> 01:01:52.759 That way not 7 000 but 70 000 lives were saved. 01:01:54.480 --> 01:01:59.679 The Chechen Republic of today is a peaceful and flourishing land. 01:01:59.760 --> 01:02:03.479 The people live differently, they see life differently. 01:02:05.600 --> 01:02:09.799 I'd like to say something which might be a bit unexpected 01:02:09.920 --> 01:02:14.999 The Orthodox Christians, Muslims, Jews, Buddhists 01:02:15.080 --> 01:02:18.959 people belonging to traditional religions, 01:02:19.080 --> 01:02:23.799 that is to those religions that have always existed on the territory of Russia 01:02:23.920 --> 01:02:27.279 they all belong to one civilization. 01:02:27.320 --> 01:02:29.479 One distinctive feature of this civilization 01:02:29.560 --> 01:02:34.119 is the ability to see people of a different religious tradition 01:02:34.160 --> 01:02:35.879 as one of theirs. 01:02:35.960 --> 01:02:41.799 And the President - an orthodox Christian who goes to Orthodox church 01:02:41.920 --> 01:02:49.119 treats people of other religions as his brothers. 01:02:52.040 --> 01:02:54.079 He wishes them happy holidays. 01:02:54.200 --> 01:03:00.079 He gives them cooperation and support for the issues they raise. 01:03:03.960 --> 01:03:09.319 When Kazan turned 1000 years we gathered in the theatre to celebrate it. 01:03:09.360 --> 01:03:14.439 Vladimir Vladimirovich went on stage to congratulate us. 01:03:14.880 --> 01:03:16.839 Suddenly he started speaking in Tatar. 01:03:21.320 --> 01:03:26.159 If you'd heard the roar of applause he got! 01:03:26.280 --> 01:03:29.839 People were smiling. 01:03:30.040 --> 01:03:33.479 They just didn't let him continue his speech. 01:03:33.520 --> 01:03:36.639 But he came up with a quick answer 01:03:36.720 --> 01:03:39.039 He said, hold on it's not all yet. 01:03:41.520 --> 01:03:43.879 This is not all I can. 01:03:44.520 --> 01:03:50.319 And he went on speaking in Tatar and people applauded even louder. 01:03:50.440 --> 01:03:52.239 For those... 01:03:54.320 --> 01:03:57.999 For those who are only beginning to learn the Tatar language 01:03:58.120 --> 01:04:01.479 and haven't understood everything I said, 01:04:01.600 --> 01:04:06.599 I'd like to point out one thing 01:04:06.640 --> 01:04:11.439 Kazan has really played a unique historic role 01:04:11.520 --> 01:04:14.399 in building a united nation of Russia 01:04:14.440 --> 01:04:19.199 in creating a united and solid people of Russia. 01:04:19.320 --> 01:04:23.719 The ability to find understanding 01:04:23.880 --> 01:04:25.959 a common language with the public, 01:04:26.080 --> 01:04:33.119 for a leader of any rank and especially for a leader of a country, 01:04:33.240 --> 01:04:38.279 I must say, this is a gift, it is not simple at all. 01:04:38.400 --> 01:04:41.439 I don't think we can talk about one particular achievement. 01:04:41.520 --> 01:04:45.159 He's achieved the most important thing. 01:04:45.720 --> 01:04:48.719 He came and started running the country... 01:04:48.880 --> 01:04:55.839 I remember the regions which may not be leaders but live well now, 01:04:55.920 --> 01:05:01.679 for example, Kursk, Tambovsk Regions, Voronezh Region... 01:05:01.760 --> 01:05:03.799 They used to be on the brink of ruin. 01:05:03.920 --> 01:05:09.519 In the 2000s, wherever you went, to whatever regional capital... 01:05:09.680 --> 01:05:15.319 There was darkness... Egyptian, puddles, mud, smashed roads... 01:05:15.400 --> 01:05:17.359 And look how things are today. 01:05:17.480 --> 01:05:21.159 People live in the country and earn good money, very good money. 01:05:21.280 --> 01:05:23.479 They can provide for themselves. 01:05:23.560 --> 01:05:26.279 Besides they provide for Moscow and half of the country 01:05:26.280 --> 01:05:28.439 at least half of the country. 01:05:28.520 --> 01:05:33.839 After the institute I wanted to try myself, to work in my profession exactly. 01:05:33.880 --> 01:05:35.959 When I saw everything here for the first time 01:05:36.080 --> 01:05:38.639 I was both amazed and excited. 01:05:38.680 --> 01:05:41.119 We love all these cows very much. 01:05:41.160 --> 01:05:45.399 In these conditions, they ought to live long and happily and to give us milk. 01:05:45.920 --> 01:05:47.639 I came here two years ago. 01:05:47.720 --> 01:05:51.159 I've got a flat, a regular job and a regular income. 01:05:51.240 --> 01:05:55.279 If everyone does the job they like and can do, 01:05:55.360 --> 01:05:59.799 the country as a whole will grow it all depends on us. 01:06:01.160 --> 01:06:04.559 This is very important. This is the food security of the state. 01:06:06.560 --> 01:06:08.479 We are surrounded by countries with developed economies. 01:06:09.400 --> 01:06:15.159 We must frankly tell: they press us out from the perspective markets where it is possible. 01:06:15.440 --> 01:06:20.879 Their visible economical advantages give a reason for a rise of geopolitical ambitions. 01:06:21.040 --> 01:06:27.039 All our decisions, all our deeds must become subject of the idea that in the nearest future 01:06:27.520 --> 01:06:35.919 Russia would secure a place among really strong, economically advanced and influential countries of 01:06:36.440 --> 01:06:42.519 In a decade we must at least double GDP. 01:06:43.320 --> 01:06:45.559 Many people doubted that it was possible 01:06:46.360 --> 01:06:53.439 Somebody even laughed at it, said: Well, it is not difficult to double it from zero. 01:06:58.320 --> 01:07:04.639 First of all, we set a clear and understandable system of taxes for minerals extraction. 01:07:05.280 --> 01:07:07.799 The state started to receive income from gas and 01:07:08.160 --> 01:07:14.679 And before this it was not significantly less, it was not clear, extremely not clear, not fair. 01:07:15.360 --> 01:07:19.679 In 2003 a problem with Yukos appears. 01:07:20.360 --> 01:07:23.599 As for Khodorkovskiy, he was our colleague. 01:07:23.720 --> 01:07:31.039 How did it happen that such story took place is now hard to explain 01:07:32.000 --> 01:07:35.959 And frankly speaking, besides a purely humane commiseration for Khodorkovskiy 01:07:35.960 --> 01:07:41.919 who 10 years, maybe best 10 years of his life spent where he spent (prison)... 01:07:42.320 --> 01:07:45.319 It is like in a family when children are explained that something is forbidden 01:07:45.320 --> 01:07:49.239 they start to check whether it is really forbidden or is allowed a little. 01:07:50.280 --> 01:07:56.519 It was not only Yukos who went the way of reducing taxes, tax avoidance. 01:07:57.080 --> 01:07:59.719 Other companies also. Yukos more. 01:08:00.120 --> 01:08:05.199 And after tax police finished investigating Yukos case, 01:08:05.200 --> 01:08:09.239 many companies also paid significant money to the budget 01:08:09.280 --> 01:08:13.239 as a result of extra charges after court decisions. 01:08:18.640 --> 01:08:21.919 All your friends say that the main problem with Putin 01:08:21.920 --> 01:08:24.799 is that he finished faculty of Law and likes it very much. 01:08:25.040 --> 01:08:26.999 He always acts within the boundaries of the law. 01:08:27.120 --> 01:08:30.238 It is impossible to make Putin breach the law. 01:08:30.720 --> 01:08:36.078 It is right. I had very good teachers, very good, I'm very thankful to them. 01:08:36.600 --> 01:08:43.799 They hammered some principles, some fundamental things into our heads, 01:08:45.520 --> 01:08:51.038 which I consider not only correct from book's point of view, but correct and necessary by life. 01:08:52.319 --> 01:08:53.759 I don't remember if I told already or not. 01:08:54.000 --> 01:08:58.719 When I came to work in Leningrad department of KGB, and we planned some... 01:08:58.720 --> 01:09:01.038 I don't remember a small operation 01:09:01.359 --> 01:09:08.359 and one of our veterans proposed to do something. 01:09:09.479 --> 01:09:14.959 And he said that we needed to do this and this. There were quite many people there. 01:09:15.120 --> 01:09:17.559 I told him: "Listen, I think it is illegal." 01:09:18.319 --> 01:09:20.478 Next is an interesting thing. 01:09:21.000 --> 01:09:24.519 He looked at me with a surprise and said: "What? 01:09:24.560 --> 01:09:29.118 We have a certain instruction and said the number of this instruction of KGB USSR." 01:09:29.560 --> 01:09:31.599 I said: "If it exists, then it must be cancelled, 01:09:31.600 --> 01:09:36.799 because it contradicts to this law, that law, contradicts the Constitution." 01:09:37.399 --> 01:09:44.198 This is not a joke, I didn't make it up. It was in reality. I was young, I just came from the university. 01:09:45.840 --> 01:09:51.118 They just laughed at me, thank, God, it was already 1976, 01:09:51.120 --> 01:10:00.959 it was far from the time of repressions there were completely different times. 01:10:05.600 --> 01:10:10.159 This place is called Russian Calvary - Butovskiy training area, area of death. 01:10:10.360 --> 01:10:13.759 Here the authorities killed its own people without charge or trial. 01:10:14.800 --> 01:10:19.679 The brotherhood grave with length of more than 1 km, dead bodies are set in several layers. 01:10:20.240 --> 01:10:24.399 Most of the killed are simple people, arrested for being late for the work, 01:10:24.400 --> 01:10:30.079 accident damage of factory equipment or non execution of the workday norm. 01:10:31.520 --> 01:10:33.719 I was shocked by the story of Butovskiy training area. 01:10:34.040 --> 01:10:42.478 I went the whole way together with him and understood what was going on with him. 01:10:43.640 --> 01:10:48.279 And I could hear him saying: "God, what did they 01:10:50.280 --> 01:10:57.079 Honestly speaking, I haven’t written till the present moment about all what he said then. 01:10:57.360 --> 01:11:02.039 Because at a certain moment it seemed to me that it was a too personal of a story. 01:11:02.160 --> 01:11:06.478 He saw the lists of the killed, the gravestone, and the most important, 01:11:06.479 --> 01:11:16.919 he walked on this ground in which these people lied, where they were shot down. 01:11:17.600 --> 01:11:22.119 At this moment it seemed to me that the ground was burning under his feet. 01:11:22.120 --> 01:11:24.839 And this was not an exaggeration. 01:11:32.360 --> 01:11:37.519 President Putin, after meeting him, after talking with him, I realized, 01:11:37.520 --> 01:11:42.719 that he may look like extremely cold cool-headed and cold-blooded. 01:11:43.000 --> 01:11:44.879 And he behaves correspondingly. 01:11:45.360 --> 01:11:49.478 But I thought that inside of him, in his heart there is a warm blood 01:12:01.560 --> 01:12:05.559 A person who doesn't like to live skilfully, handily. 01:12:27.680 --> 01:12:37.519 So, such a person, that if he will need to make some actions for getting some profit, money, some 01:12:37.760 --> 01:12:44.199 and these actions are not acceptable for him, he will never make such actions. 01:12:45.560 --> 01:12:48.199 He had such a great teacher as Rakhlin. 01:12:52.040 --> 01:12:53.399 And when he taught judo to the President, he didn't in a ou e uca ion o a rest en . 01:12:53.720 --> 01:12:56.839 He wanted to make one more man by means of judo. 01:12:57.080 --> 01:13:00.199 A person who firmly stands on his feet. 01:13:03.720 --> 01:13:05.839 I always say, you know: there are two origins in every person 01:13:06.040 --> 01:13:14.559 There is a personal energy, a personal origin, emotional, intellectual, and so on. 01:13:14.840 --> 01:13:19.438 And there is an energy of the place energy of the chair. 01:13:20.360 --> 01:13:26.999 And they always collide. If the energy of the chair is stronger, the person is significantly distorted. 01:13:27.600 --> 01:13:35.399 If the human origin is stronger than the energy of the chair energy of money 01:13:35.400 --> 01:13:37.519 the person remains the same. 01:13:37.720 --> 01:13:49.438 Putin has such powerful human energy that it overcomes stages of his career, 01:13:50.400 --> 01:13:52.799 He invited us to Zavidovo. I remember it was August. 01:13:53.240 --> 01:13:58.999 We sat down in a small pavilion several people, and he presented the idea of national projects. 01:13:59.720 --> 01:14:05.039 National projects concerning the project of education, medicine, 01:14:05.040 --> 01:14:07.959 agriculture and housing projects. 01:14:10.479 --> 01:14:15.478 When perinatal centers started to work in Russia the perinatal center in Yaroslavl, 01:14:17.600 --> 01:14:19.239 we felt it. Birthrate has increased significantly here. 01:14:22.360 --> 01:14:25.119 Andrey and Aleksandr. This is the second delivery 01:14:25.360 --> 01:14:26.879 The elder is a girl, 3 years. 01:14:27.560 --> 01:14:30.039 He smiles, look, take photo. 01:14:31.760 --> 01:14:35.199 Every year the number of births in the perinatal center increases. 01:14:35.560 --> 01:14:40.279 And this year this number was 500 more than last year. 01:14:43.040 --> 01:14:46.559 Take the matter of mother capital. 01:14:47.360 --> 01:14:54.879 This is not just a propaganda of family values, not just a propaganda that a big family is good. 01:14:55.560 --> 01:15:01.599 This is real state policy directed to support the birth of children. 01:15:02.080 --> 01:15:06.559 This is a world view approach, and this is the most important. 01:15:07.240 --> 01:15:11.559 You know, presidents must solve many-sided tasks. 01:15:12.000 --> 01:15:16.559 And economy, and politics, and medicine, and education 01:15:16.560 --> 01:15:21.759 and infrastructure, and oil, and gas, whatever, international relations. 01:15:22.360 --> 01:15:26.359 But no one teaches you to be like this, you become 01:15:26.640 --> 01:15:31.599 He has an exceptional capability to grasp the subject 01:15:32.880 --> 01:15:38.119 Himself... he has such an expression: ''I will get inside it, and then we will talk." 01:15:41.360 --> 01:15:44.359 He wants to master something new all the time, and he masters it. 01:15:44.800 --> 01:15:49.999 Invisibly for everybody, he mastered English - bang! and Putin speaks English 01:15:57.360 --> 01:16:01.119 Don't forget that he doesn't have neither days-off nor vacations. 01:16:02.800 --> 01:16:10.399 He does it from 1 till 2 at night, or from 7 till 8 in the morning. He doesn't have another option. 01:16:10.920 --> 01:16:12.199 And he does it anyway. 01:16:13.240 --> 01:16:15.119 He had never skated. 01:16:17.200 --> 01:16:18.319 Now he plays hockey. 01:16:22.720 --> 01:16:27.399 He doesn't speak loud, doesn't yell at anyone. And thus hides his inner character. 01:16:27.760 --> 01:16:34.039 In the beginning skiing for Putin was an intensive practice 01:16:34.280 --> 01:16:38.359 That's why when you see him on a mountain, for hours uphill and downhill... 01:16:38.760 --> 01:16:39.159 He comes for 2.5-3 hours, 01:16:42.080 --> 01:16:49.359 and during this period neither a cup of tea nor break for talking, just uphill and downhill. 01:16:50.280 --> 01:16:54.599 I don't know where and how he learnt to play piano. 01:16:55.600 --> 01:16:58.559 I know only that he did it consistently. 01:17:00.600 --> 01:17:09.159 In the beginning, we witnessed how he started to play with one finger, one hand. 01:17:13.280 --> 01:17:19.039 Then, in several days the second hand was added. 01:18:12.680 --> 01:18:15.319 He is in fact from a usual working family. 01:18:16.960 --> 01:18:18.959 The same way like millions of others. 01:18:19.680 --> 01:18:22.919 Millions of his compatriots, like me, like you. 01:18:23.320 --> 01:18:26.559 - Vladimir Vladimirovych, I need your help. - I listen to you. - My son is under arrest. 01:18:28.040 --> 01:18:29.759 please, help, take care of it. 01:18:30.400 --> 01:18:32.959 He was brought up in a multifamily flat. 01:18:34.160 --> 01:18:37.199 And indeed this influence was serious. 01:18:37.360 --> 01:18:41.919 a crack, water was flooding in in winter. 01:18:43.680 --> 01:18:51.879 Look, in principle, no matter how paradoxically it is, 80% of people can hear him and understand 01:18:51.920 --> 01:18:55.919 than 20 % of officials and the intellectuals. 01:18:58.120 --> 01:19:04.039 It seems to me, he feels his role, first of all, as a defender of simple people. 01:19:04.240 --> 01:19:08.679 People pass him some notes all the time, some pieces of paper, 01:19:08.720 --> 01:19:11.478 something is written by pencils with uneven handwriting. 01:19:13.560 --> 01:19:19.639 He take it by himself, or when he has full hands, he passes to someone of assistants. 01:19:22.760 --> 01:19:28.079 And the most awful for assistants is when in two hours he asks: Where are these pieces of papers? 01:19:28.880 --> 01:19:34.319 I say: Which? He says: An old woman gave me, we stopped in the street. 01:19:34.680 --> 01:19:41.559 The telephone rings, he says: During some trip, an old woman approached me... 01:19:41.760 --> 01:19:43.799 a certain family applied to me. 01:19:44.439 --> 01:19:46.199 In my trip there was a corresponding manager, 01:19:50.479 --> 01:19:56.359 he has all original information how to find this person, call him and solve the question. 01:19:57.360 --> 01:20:02.519 The winter started. - Yes. Welcome. - Thanks. 01:20:02.760 --> 01:20:09.879 We decided to look, with Yevgeniy Stepanovych, how your medicine, culture works... 01:20:10.360 --> 01:20:12.359 You are interested in what people tell you. 01:20:12.760 --> 01:20:16.199 You look at people with whom you talk and want to listen. 01:20:16.400 --> 01:20:21.799 Why? Because you want to find another source of information? A tuning fork? 01:20:22.680 --> 01:20:30.599 No. In general I don't try to find some extra sources, tuning forks... 01:20:31.400 --> 01:20:33.199 I don't need to search for it, I have it all. 01:20:33.760 --> 01:20:36.759 I don’t even know why. It is even hard for me to tell, you understand? 01:20:37.040 --> 01:20:42.399 I say that not to make myself look good I just feel myself as a part. 01:20:43.080 --> 01:20:48.319 A part of our country, our people. Certainly it is important for me, when we meet with people... 01:20:49.520 --> 01:20:54.799 These signals come to me immediately, when I feel that people are not satisfied with something, 01:20:54.800 --> 01:20:57.159 anxious about something, worried about something. 01:20:57.880 --> 01:21:02.959 Certainly, such feedback is necessary, but it can be like hitting a wall. 01:21:03.479 --> 01:21:13.759 But can reach.. Thank God, this feeling is not lost yet, and I manage to feel it at once. 01:21:14.040 --> 01:21:25.159 It is precisely that... I have never been in so called elites. This is really good indeed because... 01:21:26.200 --> 01:21:30.919 when people live in another stratum... are born there, 01:21:30.920 --> 01:21:35.559 it is also not bad thank God, there are own big advantages there too. 01:21:35.960 --> 01:21:42.199 when people are born, live, brought up in a certain elite society, there are also advantages. 01:21:43.320 --> 01:21:46.039 But I have been watching for a long time... 01:21:47.800 --> 01:21:53.679 I highly respect such people, and envy a little, because initially, 01:21:53.720 --> 01:21:59.559 from first steps of life they manage to absorb many important useful things, 01:22:00.280 --> 01:22:06.359 which help to achieve big results in various fields. 01:22:06.600 --> 01:22:11.759 But for the person who deals with work which I do now and the previous years, 01:22:12.000 --> 01:22:23.719 this link and feeling of fellowship with people, usual people are highly important and helps in work. 01:22:24.640 --> 01:22:27.959 My mother told me: Be afraid of those for whom the power is a dream. 01:22:29.000 --> 01:22:31.159 Go to those for whom the power is a cross. 01:22:32.080 --> 01:22:36.599 I came to Vladimir Vladimirovych and said: Vladimir Vladimirovych, we must rebury lllyin. 01:22:37.000 --> 01:22:42.759 Illyin is a genius Russian philosopher, this is a person who 01:22:43.600 --> 01:22:51.719 all his life tried to explain himself and others and to understand what is going on, why it takes place 01:22:52.880 --> 01:22:55.959 Illyin died abroad, in Switzerland. 01:22:56.000 --> 01:23:01.759 In short, the lease of the land for IIlyin's grave came to the end. 01:23:02.760 --> 01:23:10.039 And according to Swiss laws another person could be buried there if this grave is not looked after, 01:23:10.040 --> 01:23:13.759 if there are no relatives. 01:23:14.360 --> 01:23:21.199 And then Vladimir Vladimirovych heard that and took closely to his heart and personally. 01:23:21.840 --> 01:23:29.399 And the decision was made to rebury Illyin on the cemetary of Donskoy Monastery. 01:23:31.160 --> 01:23:42.159 Brothers and sisters! Today we are participants of a historical even 01:23:44.720 --> 01:23:53.159 Co-memorable sons of Russia come back to the native land. 01:23:53.840 --> 01:24:06.799 general Anton Ivanovych Denikin and philosopher Ivan Aleksandrovych lllyin together with their wives. 01:24:07.960 --> 01:24:16.239 This is not just a physical transfer of remains of two great persons to our land. 01:24:17.160 --> 01:24:21.519 I hope this is the beginning of the end of the dreadful civil war. 01:24:22.360 --> 01:24:29.879 Reburial of lllyin, reburial of Denikin, and before that reburial of Shmelyov, our brilliant author, 01:24:30.560 --> 01:24:42.438 these all are fragments directed at consolidation, at stopping of the civil war in heads. 01:24:42.760 --> 01:24:46.759 The motion to gather that spiritual strength 01:24:47.360 --> 01:24:52.879 earned by these great Russian people throughout all their lives 01:24:52.880 --> 01:24:58.239 devoted to thoughts and deeds concerned with Russia. 01:25:00.560 --> 01:25:06.438 If you see the scale of a country and try to make this atmosphere common, 01:25:06.880 --> 01:25:12.159 only In this case 80% can tell you: Yes, we are together with you. 01:25:12.400 --> 01:25:17.039 At the same time, people who not just live, live not well, 01:25:17.040 --> 01:25:24.079 who have problems, who have big claims to local authorities and to supreme power 01:25:24.479 --> 01:25:31.399 but when they understand that there is a person above them for whom the power is a cross and he 01:25:32.160 --> 01:25:39.399 and he consolidates the society, and only national interests become his personal interests 01:25:40.040 --> 01:25:45.159 when he bears responsibility for everyone, including the whole country, 01:25:45.640 --> 01:25:51.159 only in this case people who not just live, can say. Yes, we are together with you, we will be patient. 01:25:53.160 --> 01:26:00.559 At that moment young Russia had no large-scale projects and large-scale victories, 01:26:01.600 --> 01:26:05.799 which would allow to show the whole world that 01:26:06.160 --> 01:26:10.279 we are not a shatter of a great empire, but we are an independent, 01:26:10.280 --> 01:26:15.438 big, serious state with our own achievements, ambitions. 01:26:16.000 --> 01:26:19.559 And in 2005 the application for winter Olympic games was made. 01:26:20.360 --> 01:26:23.599 Frankly speaking, I'm a sinner. 01:26:23.600 --> 01:26:28.438 I didn't believe that we would be given the right to organize winter Olympic games. 01:26:28.560 --> 01:26:32.679 On the eve of a session of International Olympic committee in Guatemala, 01:26:32.720 --> 01:26:38.799 where the question was whether Putin should go to Guatemala or not, 01:26:39.000 --> 01:26:41.999 what if we suddenly lose, I told him: "Vladimir Vladimirovych, 01:26:42.000 --> 01:26:45.599 if you don't go, I guarantee that we will lose. 01:26:46.360 --> 01:26:50.279 But if you do go, then there is a risk that we will lose anyway." 01:26:50.479 --> 01:26:52.879 But without you going we stand no chance. 01:26:55.160 --> 01:27:03.199 When Vladimir Vladimirovych arrived to Guatemala within 2 days 01:27:03.240 --> 01:27:09.279 there were 30-40 meetings with key members of the International Olympic committee. 01:27:09.479 --> 01:27:11.478 It lasted non-stop day and night. 01:27:11.880 --> 01:27:13.679 And there was a rehearsal at which he arrived. 01:27:13.840 --> 01:27:18.879 And we rehearsed the entrance, he participated in it ry disciplinarily. 01:27:19.040 --> 01:27:22.399 But for us the most important thing was to determine the chronometry. 01:27:22.560 --> 01:27:27.199 And he took out his precious papers and I was full ears. 01:27:27.200 --> 01:27:29.239 He says: Are you ready? I say: Yes. 01:27:29.560 --> 01:27:30.959 He says: Let’s go. I turned on. 01:27:32.360 --> 01:27:35.319 And nothing happens. He reads to himself. 01:27:37.160 --> 01:27:39.119 He says: That's all. Stop. 01:27:39.760 --> 01:27:45.359 Dear President! Members of the International Olympic committee! Ladies and Gentlemen! 01:27:45.840 --> 01:27:53.999 I ask you to support Olympic dream of millions f Russians who are waiting for our decision with a 01:27:54.360 --> 01:27:55.159 Thank you. 01:27:55.479 --> 01:27:59.279 It was like an explosion, like a bomb We needed to show, 01:27:59.280 --> 01:28:03.119 like they say now, respect to the International Olympic committee. 01:28:03.400 --> 01:28:08.399 So that they would understand that they were given a gesture of real respect. 01:28:08.960 --> 01:28:13.839 These two phrases in French - bang! And it happened. 01:28:13.840 --> 01:28:15.639 Olympic games are ours, that's it. 01:28:28.880 --> 01:28:31.639 The question of the country is perhaps the major value 01:28:34.200 --> 01:28:40.519 Then perhaps, a question of family, personal relations and friendship, maybe. 01:28:41.080 --> 01:28:46.279 He always shows devotion of such friendly relations. 01:28:49.200 --> 01:28:56.599 I know how hard he suffers personal betrayal. 01:28:57.360 --> 01:29:01.719 I know people with whom he had good relationships. 01:29:02.160 --> 01:29:09.279 After they made some deeds which didn't comply with his idea of peace and decency, 01:29:09.280 --> 01:29:13.438 he just cut them out and never met with them again. 01:29:15.400 --> 01:29:20.478 Personal contacts, personal contacts exist exactly to be kept in private. 01:29:20.720 --> 01:29:22.559 But I can tell several things. 01:29:23.000 --> 01:29:28.199 Some time ago a CD was made... in 1999, I guess... 01:29:28.920 --> 01:29:31.399 The CD is called "Songs of the country which doesn't exist any more". 01:29:32.080 --> 01:29:38.639 Very good songs, good singers and words, and music. 01:29:43.360 --> 01:29:44.399 Sometimes we sing. 01:29:44.640 --> 01:29:50.119 They say: We choose our enemies and friends by ourselves, but neighbours are God given. 01:29:50.720 --> 01:29:53.839 We are neighbours given by God. 01:29:54.320 --> 01:30:00.119 I think that there are no more such close neighbour 01:30:00.120 --> 01:30:04.719 allied relations like between Russia and Kazakhstan. 01:30:05.040 --> 01:30:09.799 It is objective, let no one get offended, we are the closest countries. 01:30:10.200 --> 01:30:14.039 Now we are talking about Eurasian Economic Union. 01:30:15.120 --> 01:30:21.039 This project is proposed by me. Now they say that Russia is making a new Soviet Union. 01:30:21.280 --> 01:30:28.759 Everybody is called... I proposed it because if European Union is made, it is normal, right? 01:30:29.000 --> 01:30:31.999 And if we start to say something it is bad. 01:30:32.520 --> 01:30:34.639 This is a usual approach to such questions. 01:30:37.240 --> 01:30:51.279 Desperate attempts of some countries to save their role of the only development center, 01:30:51.320 --> 01:30:54.039 the only center of the world control 01:30:54.720 --> 01:31:05.119 have resulted in erosion of the international law, the notion of the international security, 01:31:06.080 --> 01:31:09.959 European security. The erosion of Yalta system has started 01:31:17.439 --> 01:31:21.079 of the unipolar conditions, 01:31:21.080 --> 01:31:24.759 and tendency to the world supremacy. 01:31:25.520 --> 01:31:28.119 Whatever has happened in the history of the mankind. 01:31:30.960 --> 01:31:34.039 However, what is the unipolar world? 01:31:35.200 --> 01:31:43.079 However this term is decorated, it finally means in practice only one thing. 01:31:43.640 --> 01:31:51.159 this is one center of power, one center of force, one center of decision making. 01:31:52.560 --> 01:31:55.438 This is the world of one master of one sovereign. 01:31:55.680 --> 01:32:01.039 I was surprised by the reaction of German and other foreign journalists. 01:32:01.360 --> 01:32:03.199 They forgot that they were journalists. 01:32:03.680 --> 01:32:07.438 They stopped taking notes, they were sitting with their mouths open 01:32:07.439 --> 01:32:11.839 watching and listening what he was saying 01:32:12.520 --> 01:32:17.719 One-sided, often illegitimate actions haven’t solved any single problem. 01:32:18.200 --> 01:32:23.639 Moreover, they have become the generator of new human tragedies and trouble spots. 01:32:24.280 --> 01:32:30.599 From one side - shock, from another - hidden dissatisfaction They came to me: Why so sharp? 01:32:30.760 --> 01:32:31.919 I say: What was sharp? 01:32:34.640 --> 01:32:36.959 Speaking about this issues as an old soldier of the Cold War, I would like to draw your attention 01:32:37.680 --> 01:32:43.999 that one of the speeches almost caused a nostalgia about those less complicated times. 01:32:44.680 --> 01:32:45.239 Almost. 01:32:45.920 --> 01:32:49.919 Many of you have big experience in diplomacy or politics. 01:32:50.880 --> 01:32:57.719 I, like one more speaker, have completely different experience - experience of intelligence activities. 01:32:58.240 --> 01:33:02.799 I suppose that old spies have a habit of blunt speaking. 01:33:05.240 --> 01:33:10.239 Fine, I will then answer on that I can read by myself. 01:33:10.840 --> 01:33:13.319 And if I don't answer, you will remind me your questions. 01:33:15.360 --> 01:33:18.039 What would be with Kosovo and Serbia? 01:33:18.280 --> 01:33:21.279 Only Kosovans and Serbians can know it. 01:33:22.120 --> 01:33:23.839 And let's not decide for them 01:33:24.760 --> 01:33:26.119 how they should make their life. 01:33:26.520 --> 01:33:31.039 One should not make himself a God and solve all problems for all peoples. 01:33:32.560 --> 01:33:37.839 We can only create conditions and help people to solve their problems. 01:33:42.040 --> 01:33:47.438 We got acquainted with Putin in one very small department of one very big organization. 01:33:48.439 --> 01:33:50.719 Big organization is certainly KGB of USSR, 01:33:51.240 --> 01:33:56.159 and small department, it's really a small department, of foreign intelligence. 01:33:57.840 --> 01:34:03.359 We served as young officers, senior lieutenants, captains. 01:34:03.720 --> 01:34:07.478 At that time there were illegals in our department 01:34:07.800 --> 01:34:15.199 Those who came back to the motherland after... 20 years of illegal work in the West. 01:34:15.800 --> 01:34:19.839 We recall them with Vladimir Vladimirovych, when we have some free time to reminisce. 01:34:20.400 --> 01:34:23.559 People served, you understand by yourself, not for money. 01:34:25.920 --> 01:34:27.478 They risked hugely. 01:34:29.880 --> 01:34:32.719 And whatever happened to them - these are illegals. 01:34:36.320 --> 01:34:38.079 They were a live example. 01:34:39.240 --> 01:34:41.359 They worked for the country, for the motherland 01:34:42.280 --> 01:34:43.599 This is the essence. 01:34:44.880 --> 01:34:47.639 Without any political colour, ideology and so on 01:34:48.200 --> 01:34:55.599 After serving in KGB and intelligence, his entrance in democratic life, 01:34:55.640 --> 01:35:04.239 meeting new rules of life, possibilities took place precisely during the work with Sobchak. 01:35:04.840 --> 01:35:08.559 It was Sobchak being a bright character and one of the leading activists, 01:35:08.560 --> 01:35:12.319 accelerated his understanding of all events. 01:35:12.920 --> 01:35:17.839 We all went out of the country, we considered that the country had to prevail over everything. 01:35:18.360 --> 01:35:23.478 And, to my mind, Sobchak taught us all how we can keep balance, 01:35:23.479 --> 01:35:28.639 where we can see new possibilities of democratic country democratic order 01:35:28.920 --> 01:35:34.159 freedom of opinion discussion defense of opinion political competence. 01:35:35.040 --> 01:35:46.438 in 2008, after serving two terms of presidency, Putin had an incredibly high rating. 01:35:46.920 --> 01:35:49.959 The question arose and it was the main question. 01:35:50.040 --> 01:35:54.438 would Putin stay for the third term or finally according to the Constitution 01:35:54.439 --> 01:36:00.919 would leave this position, the most important for the country which didn’t get strong yet 01:36:02.200 --> 01:36:05.319 to another leader. This question bothered everybody. 01:36:05.560 --> 01:36:06.999 Thoughts and talks were only about it. 01:36:07.120 --> 01:36:09.839 Vladimir Vladimirovych, during last 2-3 years appeals to you 01:36:09.880 --> 01:36:12.599 to stay for the third term sounded more and more often. 01:36:12.920 --> 01:36:18.199 More likely, a part of your team also tried to influence you in this matter. 01:36:18.640 --> 01:36:22.959 How big was the temptation to consent to these suasions and to stay for the third term? Thanks. 01:36:23.240 --> 01:36:27.239 I had no temptation to stay for the third term. 01:36:27.680 --> 01:36:28.839 Never. 01:36:29.680 --> 01:36:34.239 From the first day of work as the President of Russian Federation, I decided at once 01:36:35.320 --> 01:36:37.759 that I would not breach the working Constitution. 01:36:38.560 --> 01:36:41.438 I got this vaccination during the work with Anatoliy Aleksandrovych Sobchak. 01:36:43.880 --> 01:36:48.199 And I think it is an important signal to the society in general. 01:36:48.600 --> 01:36:54.199 Everyone must obey the working law, starting with the head of the state. 01:36:55.080 --> 01:37:01.559 To your mind, what was your main success, main achievement at the position of the state head? 01:37:01.840 --> 01:37:07.999 And what has gone wrong? What do you consider as your main failure during these years? Thanks. 01:37:11.800 --> 01:37:17.319 I don't see any serious failures. All set goals were achieved, tasks - completed 01:37:17.720 --> 01:37:22.639 I'm not ashamed in front of people who chose me twice for the position of the President of Russian 01:37:23.000 --> 01:37:28.478 All these 8 years I worked hard like a slave galley, from the morning till night. 01:37:29.560 --> 01:37:33.438 And did it with full force. 01:37:36.200 --> 01:37:37.719 I'm satisfied with results of my work 01:37:44.160 --> 01:37:47.039 Hundreds of thousands of tourists and heads of 40 countries of the world are guests. 01:37:47.040 --> 01:37:49.319 All at 300th anniversary of Saint Petersburg. 01:37:51.320 --> 01:37:57.279 Veteran of the war, Mayerbeck Dzgoyev was one of the first to get a course at the multifaceted medical 01:37:57.479 --> 01:38:00.039 Unique equipment is installed here. 01:38:01.880 --> 01:38:03.839 A tanker of ice class is commissioned. 01:38:06.560 --> 01:38:09.239 Prayer towers can be seen from any point of Groznyy, even at night. 01:38:09.439 --> 01:38:13.519 The heart of Chechnya already claims for the title of the biggest mosque in Europe. 01:38:15.120 --> 01:38:16.039 The North pole is ours. 01:38:16.040 --> 01:38:21.239 We have it, friends. - It goes, it goes... 01:38:36.960 --> 01:38:39.639 Hello, Russia Hello, Moscow. 01:38:40.880 --> 01:38:46.359 We have a chance to develop like we did it last years. 01:38:46.840 --> 01:38:52.159 And I am sure we have to choose this way. We have all chances for this. 01:38:53.400 --> 01:38:56.399 Did you get cold? - No. 01:38:57.120 --> 01:39:00.199 Can you give me one minute? - Yes. 01:39:01.680 --> 01:39:06.119 Elections of the President of Russian Federation took place. 01:39:07.240 --> 01:39:15.478 In 2008 when Putin started to work as the Prime Minister 01:39:15.880 --> 01:39:25.279 It seemed that it would be... the time of resting on your laurels. 01:39:25.520 --> 01:39:29.438 I.e. he was the head of the state, he saved the country from collapse. 01:39:29.880 --> 01:39:32.639 He set it on trajectory of stable development. 01:39:32.960 --> 01:39:34.759 He paid all debts. 01:39:35.640 --> 01:39:37.239 With external, with internal. 01:39:38.439 --> 01:39:41.559 He raised the living standards of the population 01:39:41.600 --> 01:39:45.438 and he raised it not for the future generations, but for the present. 01:39:45.680 --> 01:39:47.919 This never happened in the history of our country 01:39:49.640 --> 01:39:52.919 And in theory, he had to enter the this wonderful white house at Krasnopresnenskaya quay, 01:39:52.920 --> 01:39:56.239 sit down in the cabinet and say: Thanks God. 01:39:56.880 --> 01:39:58.879 And the world crisis broke out 01:40:02.080 --> 01:40:10.039 In fact, it was 45 Everybody was scared nobody lived in such a strong stress of the world scale. 01:40:10.479 --> 01:40:12.119 And again, what has Putin done? 01:40:13.200 --> 01:40:20.438 He went to the public and said: I bear responsibility that 1998 would not repeat. 01:40:21.360 --> 01:40:24.039 I bear personal responsibility 01:40:24.040 --> 01:40:29.079 Turn up his sleeves, and kept on rowing his galley from dusk till dawn. 01:40:29.640 --> 01:40:32.159 The fate of tens of thousands of people was at stake. 01:40:32.320 --> 01:40:38.438 If the state didn't help they would just go to streets and became unemployed. 01:40:38.680 --> 01:40:40.279 How many people worked here? 01:40:40.880 --> 01:40:45.879 Around 3 000 people worked here before the crisis. 01:40:46.200 --> 01:40:49.799 At this enterprise? - Yes. Now 2 345. 01:40:50.240 --> 01:40:55.199 Are listed? - Right. Among them 2 thirds are in down time. 01:40:55.439 --> 01:40:58.399 At one working site there were three joint stock companies. 01:40:58.560 --> 01:41:01.679 And at a certain point we got messed 01:41:01.760 --> 01:41:06.319 so that we couldn't find a solution which would allow the work of the company. 01:41:06.520 --> 01:41:08.519 I don't see your signature. Come here and sign. 01:41:09.240 --> 01:41:10.239 Come to me. 01:41:14.720 --> 01:41:15.519 Here is the agreement. 01:41:25.320 --> 01:41:27.559 Give me the pen back. 01:41:29.840 --> 01:41:36.319 I consider that you made thousands of people as hostages of your ambitions, 01:41:36.320 --> 01:41:42.839 on-professionalism or maybe obvious greed. 01:41:46.680 --> 01:41:48.359 It is absolutely unacceptable. 01:41:50.640 --> 01:41:55.478 And where is that social responsibility of business? 01:41:56.840 --> 01:41:57.639 Where is it? 01:41:59.040 --> 01:42:00.719 Here, you know, the matter is not in offence. 01:42:02.040 --> 01:42:03.159 You can discuss it for a long time. 01:42:03.640 --> 01:42:07.559 You can remain in stupor, let's say. 01:42:07.960 --> 01:42:13.839 Not solving some problems. He understands that he is the last person who has to make this 01:42:14.200 --> 01:42:17.839 So that these matters would not be discussed but some actions started. 01:42:18.960 --> 01:42:20.879 Now as for administration. 01:42:22.040 --> 01:42:27.039 Nobody will persuade me that the management of the region and other levels 01:42:27.040 --> 01:42:31.399 as done all what depended on them in order to help people. 01:42:35.280 --> 01:42:38.519 When I said that was going to come here, what did they replied? 01:42:39.040 --> 01:42:42.199 No need, let's go I will show you another company which is recently built. 01:42:42.720 --> 01:42:46.559 Certainly, well done that you built a new enterprise. 01:42:47.080 --> 01:42:50.438 Why did you start to run about like cockroaches just before my arrival? 01:42:50.600 --> 01:42:53.519 were there no people earlier who were able to make decisions? 01:42:53.800 --> 01:42:56.599 All salary debts must be paid. 01:42:59.479 --> 01:43:03.559 This is 41 242 000 RUB. The deadline is today. 01:43:06.840 --> 01:43:08.759 Thanks. Good luck. 01:43:13.400 --> 01:43:16.199 During the crisis, when job cuts started, 01:43:16.200 --> 01:43:20.639 the complex launched such a huge project as 5000 rolling mill. 01:43:21.520 --> 01:43:25.159 It saved people from absence of work. 01:43:27.120 --> 01:43:33.999 Now, tubes which we produce, are used for complicated pipelines like North Stream. 01:43:34.040 --> 01:43:37.879 Now for the Power of Siberia for production of submarines 01:43:38.200 --> 01:43:48.119 This naturally results on salary, i.e. lately the level of life risen significantly. 01:43:48.880 --> 01:43:52.759 We can see real changes. What is used in Russia? 01:43:52.800 --> 01:43:56.679 To believe people in practice but not in words. 01:43:59.200 --> 01:44:06.279 On August 8th 2008, if you remember, it was the opening day of Beijing Olympic games. 01:44:06.760 --> 01:44:08.599 We appeared in the same residency. 01:44:09.120 --> 01:44:13.039 And in one room we were sitting and talking, at that time his telephone rang, 01:44:13.040 --> 01:44:16.438 I said: I will go. He said: No. stay here. 01:44:16.640 --> 01:44:21.639 At that moment he was informed what events took place in North Ossetia 01:44:21.800 --> 01:44:26.199 And he listened, listened, put down the receiver, and was very upset. 01:44:26.479 --> 01:44:29.119 I asked: What happened? I thought something happened at his home, 01:44:29.120 --> 01:44:31.799 something special. I have never seen him like that. 01:44:31.880 --> 01:44:36.438 And he says: Can you imagine? Our peacekeepers were attacked, 01:44:36.439 --> 01:44:40.999 and several soldiers were killed. What did they do? What did they do? 01:44:44.920 --> 01:44:48.478 The situation developed dramatically for 17 years. 01:44:49.840 --> 01:44:54.119 Russian Federation performed peacekeeping functions for 17 years. 01:44:54.400 --> 01:44:57.799 It helped to keep peace and calm there 01:44:58.040 --> 01:45:02.239 It prevented murders which took place from 90s. 01:45:03.360 --> 01:45:09.319 And tried to keep the unity of Georgian state. 01:45:10.560 --> 01:45:15.839 Nonetheless after the aggression and genocide which was started by the regime of Saakashvilli 01:45:16.479 --> 01:45:22.039 the situation changed and our main task was to prevent humanitarian catastrophe, 01:45:22.040 --> 01:45:25.879 to save lives of people for whom we bear responsibility. 01:45:28.960 --> 01:45:37.599 He made decision at once to fly from Beijing to Ossetia. 01:45:39.000 --> 01:45:42.919 And he goes straight to people, certainly. This is typical. 01:45:44.040 --> 01:45:49.639 I.e. all what is concerned with military actions, he was informed during the flight, and he goes at 01:45:50.160 --> 01:45:54.599 Camps of refugees hospitals where the wounded stay. 01:45:54.960 --> 01:45:59.159 It is a genocide. - A real genocide. They kill the wounded. 01:45:59.520 --> 01:46:06.919 My child of 5 months who wasn’t even born, left, he didn't even see his father, why... I don't know. 01:46:08.240 --> 01:46:11.478 He was accompanied his personal photographers, his personal cameraman. 01:46:12.040 --> 01:46:16.999 I don't know how my father-in-law is, who left in the village, old man, ill old man. 01:46:17.320 --> 01:46:28.639 And then he quite toughly gave command to stop recording because these ladies really had a 01:46:29.560 --> 01:46:39.399 And it was utter darkness, cameraman just lit the way with this light so that no one would stumble. 01:46:41.439 --> 01:46:46.839 You have like Presidency of trials. You overcome something, another thing falls on you. 01:46:47.640 --> 01:46:53.199 Chechnya campaign, terror acts, the crisis, Ossetia. 01:46:54.240 --> 01:46:59.639 It goes in a long line, it seems that you solved, and there is again and again. 01:47:00.320 --> 01:47:05.438 As a manager, at what moment do you feel more comfortable. 01:47:05.439 --> 01:47:11.079 when there is a war or when it is peace and everyday routine? 01:47:13.520 --> 01:47:15.438 I worked as the chairman of the government. 01:47:16.080 --> 01:47:17.478 I like this job very much. 01:47:18.479 --> 01:47:24.959 It is definite, clear... not clear, but anyway it is... 01:47:25.760 --> 01:47:29.839 more concentrated at certain questions. 01:47:30.160 --> 01:47:32.959 And one can see the result at once. 01:47:33.439 --> 01:47:35.599 what you did right, what wrong, where you made a mistake. 01:47:37.320 --> 01:47:41.039 When the task has a more global character, 01:47:41.040 --> 01:47:50.039 then the result can not be understood at once what it would be in certain time. 01:47:50.760 --> 01:47:57.279 However, indeed, I have never thought about it. I always start from what I have, 01:47:57.960 --> 01:48:00.759 and I solve those tasks which are set for me. 01:48:04.840 --> 01:48:09.599 In the beginning of 2009 I was at the meeting with Putin in Sochi, 01:48:10.240 --> 01:48:13.039 when the fate of Olympic infrastructure was discussed. 01:48:13.240 --> 01:48:19.559 In the course of the meeting Putin called many times so that the budget money would be saved. 01:48:19.760 --> 01:48:23.199 Because on the one hand we needed to build beautifully, awesome, 01:48:23.560 --> 01:48:25.559 and on the other hand, there is the crisis, 01:48:25.560 --> 01:48:27.599 there is little money in the budget and we should save. 01:48:27.880 --> 01:48:33.519 At certain moment after reminding about saving again, he said: Money is people's. 01:48:33.800 --> 01:48:36.839 And he said it so quietly, without pathos. 01:48:37.040 --> 01:48:42.039 But the voice quaked and it was seen that he was worried personally about it. 01:48:42.439 --> 01:48:48.559 He really considers that the money is people's, i.e. earned by the whole country. 01:48:48.760 --> 01:48:51.359 And thus it must be spent assiduously. 01:48:54.280 --> 01:49:02.879 Such quantity of trips like at that time to enterprises, factories, Rosselmash, Avtovaz, he has 01:49:03.040 --> 01:49:08.999 Besides that this was the summer when awful fires took place. 01:49:09.920 --> 01:49:17.639 And we went right the other day to this burning villages, met with people 01:49:17.800 --> 01:49:25.079 who sometimes were ready to tear apart any representative of the authority who would . 01:49:28.000 --> 01:49:32.319 we are dying, help us, Vladimir Vladimirovych, help us... 01:49:40.880 --> 01:49:44.119 Why did no one do it? Why did you refuse from everything? 01:49:44.360 --> 01:49:47.478 We stood for you... - Who stood for us? 01:49:49.960 --> 01:49:51.799 We will restore nothing from these firebrands. 01:49:52.120 --> 01:49:54.359 We will build new houses. 01:50:00.439 --> 01:50:03.799 Why did he allow it? - Now, now, wait a second. 01:50:09.760 --> 01:50:12.079 I want everyone to hear this, can everyone hear me well? 01:50:14.000 --> 01:50:16.359 Until winter all houses will be built. 01:50:16.479 --> 01:50:21.039 Our village will be restored, do you promise us? Yes, I promise, your village will be restored. 01:50:26.520 --> 01:50:35.839 These trips covered with smoke and flame of that Premier-Minister time come to mind first. 01:50:39.400 --> 01:50:48.279 Then it was a real toil: everyday, getting deep into the soil. 01:50:48.600 --> 01:50:50.279 It was a work on a field. 01:50:51.880 --> 01:50:58.639 Then I remember how we went to the same places, but with new houses built 01:50:59.600 --> 01:51:04.559 I invited you for house warming. Let's go inside. 01:51:05.040 --> 01:51:07.039 The heating is at the minimum. 01:51:07.320 --> 01:51:09.839 As for the gas, the governor told me: We will not finish in time. 01:51:10.640 --> 01:51:11.839 Finished in time. - In time. 01:51:15.240 --> 01:51:18.799 Considering the proposal to put my name at the top of the party list, 01:51:18.800 --> 01:51:21.279 to get involved in party activities 01:51:21.320 --> 01:51:24.879 and in case of successful elections, 01:51:24.880 --> 01:51:28.438 my readiness to take over practical work in the government 01:51:28.439 --> 01:51:30.919 I think that it would be fair 01:51:30.960 --> 01:51:35.399 if Congress would support nomination of Vladimir Putin, Chairman of the party, 01:51:35.400 --> 01:51:37.599 as a president of the country! 01:51:59.000 --> 01:52:03.119 When Medvedev proposed Putin and Putin proposed Medvedev, 01:52:03.120 --> 01:52:09.119 it did seem to everyone quite arrogant so to say 01:52:09.160 --> 01:52:12.399 towards their voters. 01:52:12.400 --> 01:52:16.079 that there weren't actually any real elections. 01:52:17.760 --> 01:52:21.999 And those who didn't make their choice in Putin's favor 01:52:22.000 --> 01:52:24.599 during the presidents elections 01:52:24.600 --> 01:52:27.559 those were the ones who came over. 01:52:27.560 --> 01:52:29.919 They came to Bolotnaya Square 01:52:29.920 --> 01:52:32.959 to say that they had different opinion. 01:52:32.960 --> 01:52:35.679 I came to Bolotnaya to see all this. 01:52:35.680 --> 01:52:37.919 But they occupied the podium 01:52:37.920 --> 01:52:41.159 and immediately took the charge of who is allowed to stand on it or not. 01:52:41.160 --> 01:52:43.159 Later I was sitting in the bar in the neighborhood 01:52:43.160 --> 01:52:45.559 and listening to their ridiculous talks 01:52:45.560 --> 01:52:48.159 that they will overthrow Russian government, 01:52:48.200 --> 01:52:50.559 that they won, they spoke up. I found it extremely funny. 01:52:54.840 --> 01:52:57.839 I had very thorough conversation with Putin. 01:52:58.040 --> 01:53:01.119 I told him that probably I will go to Sakharov Avenue 01:53:01.120 --> 01:53:04.199 I’m not going to say what he told me, 01:53:04.200 --> 01:53:06.478 but there weren't any restrictions at least. 01:53:06.479 --> 01:53:08.799 I simply thought that 01:53:08.840 --> 01:53:10.839 for the first time on Sakharova Ave 01:53:10.840 --> 01:53:16.519 will be those representatives of middle class who were never out on protests. 01:53:16.560 --> 01:53:19.399 We have to organize platform for a dialog! 01:53:19.439 --> 01:53:21.799 Otherwise there will be a revolution! 01:53:21.800 --> 01:53:26.519 Otherwise we'll lose the chance we are having today. 01:53:26.520 --> 01:53:30.279 I tried to give authorities and Putin a push 01:53:30.320 --> 01:53:33.519 and to find the grounds for such dialog with people 01:53:33.520 --> 01:53:38.119 who sincerely care about situation in the country. 01:53:38.479 --> 01:53:44.679 But since these people got very much mixed up 01:53:44.720 --> 01:53:47.839 with more radical groups and with nationalists. 01:53:47.880 --> 01:53:51.759 that's why I noticed later 01:53:51.800 --> 01:53:57.879 that Putin doesn't see any representatives for a dialog there. 01:54:05.520 --> 01:54:09.959 In Putin's opinion, they have crossed the red line then. 01:54:15.200 --> 01:54:18.119 They started to beat up policemen. 01:54:18.280 --> 01:54:20.359 He's killed! 01:54:22.360 --> 01:54:25.519 It was decided that investigation will take place 01:54:25.520 --> 01:54:27.559 and if information will be confirmed, 01:54:27.560 --> 01:54:31.719 that this man hit the policeman, he'll be put in jail then 01:54:31.880 --> 01:54:34.919 And it did happen. 01:54:37.400 --> 01:54:39.279 Most important is that 01:54:39.280 --> 01:54:42.519 it was not only in accordance with the laws of Russian Federation 01:54:42.560 --> 01:54:45.519 but also with internal morals of Putin. 01:54:48.760 --> 01:54:51.079 They are out flying the hang-glider. 01:54:51.080 --> 01:54:55.839 Out flying it and falling to the right, the left of the wing. 01:54:55.960 --> 01:54:57.479 Good birds! 01:54:57.720 --> 01:55:00.799 Beautiful guys, cute ones. 01:55:01.000 --> 01:55:03.999 Kseniya Sobchak, your consistent opposer, 01:55:04.040 --> 01:55:08.199 projected this whole situation 01:55:08.200 --> 01:55:11.439 on election statistics. 01:55:11.440 --> 01:55:13.559 I don't know if you heard about it. 01:55:13.600 --> 01:55:17.919 So, 63% of the cranes followed Putin, 01:55:17.920 --> 01:55:22.359 the rest have chosen to fly to the South 01:55:22.400 --> 01:55:27.919 and only a small group stayed to make nests on squares and boulevards. 01:55:27.920 --> 01:55:31.199 Thus, not all cranes flew after Putin. 01:55:31.400 --> 01:55:33.519 Why don’t I hear applause? 01:55:38.360 --> 01:55:40.159 That's true. 01:55:40.160 --> 01:55:42.319 Not all cranes flew... right away. 01:55:42.320 --> 01:55:44.959 Only the weak cranes didn't fly. 01:55:52.040 --> 01:55:55.439 And only on the first try. On the 2nd try everyone flew! 01:56:01.360 --> 01:56:03.759 Even though. 01:56:03.760 --> 01:56:08.519 I have to admit, I have to tell you honestly, 01:56:08.520 --> 01:56:11.719 a reason that not all cranes flew right away, 01:56:11.720 --> 01:56:16.999 it was also their leader's. 01:56:17.040 --> 01:56:19.199 Cause in certain moments, 01:56:19.240 --> 01:56:22.079 I mean bad weather and strong side wind, 01:56:22.120 --> 01:56:25.199 pilot is forced to gain height and speed quickly. 01:56:25.200 --> 01:56:27.439 Otherwise the system can turn over 01:56:30.440 --> 01:56:32.319 What else can I add? 01:56:32.320 --> 01:56:34.759 There are little birds indeed, 01:56:34.800 --> 01:56:36.519 who don't fly in a flock at all, 01:56:36.520 --> 01:56:39.679 they prefer to make their nests separately. 01:56:39.720 --> 01:56:41.799 Well, what can we do? 01:56:41.800 --> 01:56:44.759 This is a different kind of problem. 01:56:45.920 --> 01:56:48.439 Even if they aren't part of the flock, 01:56:48.480 --> 01:56:50.279 they are still part of our population 01:56:50.280 --> 01:56:52.759 and we should treat them nicely. 01:56:59.040 --> 01:57:01.359 There were people, 01:57:03.080 --> 01:57:05.879 Khodorkovsky and Berezovsky, for instance 01:57:07.240 --> 01:57:12.199 who took absolutely intransigent aggressive stand against him. 01:57:14.960 --> 01:57:16.119 Vladimir Vladimirovich, 01:57:16.120 --> 01:57:18.879 one year ago you pardoned Khodorkovsky. 01:57:18.880 --> 01:57:21.839 He promised you to stay away from politics. 01:57:21.840 --> 01:57:25.719 But now he is even announcing his presidential ambitions! 01:57:25.720 --> 01:57:28.159 I have a question in this regard. don't you regret... 01:57:28.160 --> 01:57:30.359 And where is he going to run for president? 01:57:31.120 --> 01:57:33.919 Mr Khodorkovsky appealed to me for a pardon, 01:57:33.920 --> 01:57:36.519 he has sent a relevant paper at least. 01:57:36.520 --> 01:57:39.399 And it seemed that he wasn't planning to go in politics. 01:57:39.400 --> 01:57:42.839 But when I was making a decision about pardon 01:57:42.840 --> 01:57:46.879 I wasn't considering whether he will do it or not, 01:57:46.920 --> 01:57:49.479 whether he'll go into politics or not. 01:57:49.480 --> 01:57:50.759 It's his choice. 01:57:50.760 --> 01:57:52.599 I was considering humanitarian grounds instead. 01:57:52.600 --> 01:57:55.879 He was writing me then that his mom was seriously ill, 01:57:55.920 --> 01:57:58.639 mom is a holy cause you know! 01:57:58.680 --> 01:58:00.719 am saying this without any sarcasm. 01:58:00.760 --> 01:58:05.759 And he served most part of his punishment in places of imprisonment. 01:58:05.760 --> 01:58:09.799 What would be the point of keeping him there, 01:58:09.800 --> 01:58:15.039 considering that he could miss saying goodbye to his mom? 01:58:17.320 --> 01:58:20.119 Mother played a part there of course 01:58:20.160 --> 01:58:24.239 because humanity is very important. 01:58:24.440 --> 01:58:27.199 Berezovsky wanted to return to the country. 01:58:27.240 --> 01:58:31.119 And Berezovsky was talking about his love to the country etc. 01:58:31.320 --> 01:58:32.919 That's right. 01:58:32.960 --> 01:58:36.239 He was writing that he has made many mistakes, 01:58:36.240 --> 01:58:38.199 caused damage. 01:58:38.200 --> 01:58:41.359 He was asking to forgive him and allow him to come back to Motherland. 01:58:41.360 --> 01:58:44.519 He was ready to allow him to come back to the country. 01:58:44.560 --> 01:58:46.919 He is a strong enough person 01:58:48.520 --> 01:58:53.719 to forgive those who are unforgiving to himself. 01:58:56.560 --> 01:58:58.679 September 5th, 2013 01:58:58.680 --> 01:59:02.039 Last night Barak Obama flew across the Atlantic 01:59:02.040 --> 01:59:04.799 in order to launch a diplomatic offensive. 01:59:06.240 --> 01:59:11.439 And I also look forward to discuss situation in Syria. 01:59:11.440 --> 01:59:14.959 I think that we should take seriously 01:59:15.000 --> 01:59:18.719 our joint recognition that chemical weapon use in Syria 01:59:18.760 --> 01:59:20.679 is not only a tragedy, 01:59:20.680 --> 01:59:23.919 but also a breach of international law. 01:59:24.760 --> 01:59:29.359 Barak Obama flew from Stockholm to G-20 Summit in St Petersburg, 01:59:29.400 --> 01:59:33.399 though one-on-one with Vladimir Putin was not in his schedule. 01:59:44.000 --> 01:59:46.239 Earlier they were ready 01:59:46.280 --> 01:59:49.159 though in Syria regard there were preferences only. 01:59:49.200 --> 01:59:52.759 If M Obama is not able to persuade world leaders 01:59:52.760 --> 01:59:56.119 that military response is the only option 01:59:56.120 --> 01:59:58.399 then convincing Congress and Americans 01:59:58.400 --> 02:00:00.719 on primary voting held next week 02:00:00.760 --> 02:00:02.839 will be even more complicated. 02:00:03.040 --> 02:00:07.199 Couple of days prior to making a decision 02:00:07.200 --> 02:00:09.119 in regard to begin to bomb Damascus 02:00:09.120 --> 02:00:11.519 in order to overthrow the regime 02:00:11.560 --> 02:00:17.199 under the pretence that Syrian government used chemical weapon, 02:00:17.200 --> 02:00:19.799 though no evidence was ever presented. 02:00:20.160 --> 02:00:25.519 On G-20 Summit in St Petersburg Putin made a proposal. 02:00:25.520 --> 02:00:29.639 He simply said: "Since you are so worried about chemical weapon 02:00:29.640 --> 02:00:31.919 let's work on convincing Syria 02:00:31.920 --> 02:00:34.839 to sign convention on the prohibition of chemical weapon 02:00:34.840 --> 02:00:36.479 and promise to destroy them. 02:00:36.480 --> 02:00:38.319 There is no need to bomb. 02:00:38.320 --> 02:00:41.879 if it's all about the chemical weapon and nothing else. 02:00:41.920 --> 02:00:44.719 In this case we are ready to use our influence 02:00:44.760 --> 02:00:46.719 to convince Syria to join convention 02:00:46.760 --> 02:00:48.519 on the prohibition of chemical weapon 02:00:48.560 --> 02:00:51.679 and would sign with a relevant organization 02:00:51.720 --> 02:00:53.599 agreement on its destruction. 02:00:53.640 --> 02:00:57.159 I would like to remind you, that using force against a sovereign state 02:00:57.160 --> 02:01:02.879 is solely allowed in case of the self-defence, 02:01:02.880 --> 02:01:05.639 and as we know, Syria isn't attacking USA, 02:01:05.640 --> 02:01:07.319 and secondly, 02:01:07.320 --> 02:01:10.519 by the decision of UN Security Council. 02:01:10.520 --> 02:01:14.119 As one of the summit participants said yesterday, 02:01:14.160 --> 02:01:17.839 Those who act otherwise, put themselves outside of the law." 02:01:20.280 --> 02:01:22.919 In the beginning there wasn't any dialog. 02:01:22.960 --> 02:01:25.719 There was a handshake on the meeting ceremony. 02:01:25.760 --> 02:01:27.679 Some people said it was cold, 02:01:27.720 --> 02:01:30.359 others that it was timid or aggressive 02:01:30.360 --> 02:01:34.519 Next morning totally unplanned contact took place. 02:01:34.560 --> 02:01:38.199 Every participant of G-20 was witnessing 02:01:38.200 --> 02:01:40.919 that they started to talk. 02:01:40.920 --> 02:01:42.919 Putin and Obama. 02:01:44.200 --> 02:01:48.319 They started this conversation on foot 02:01:48.360 --> 02:01:52.799 and then sat down in a corner of a small hall. 02:01:53.560 --> 02:01:56.559 It was continuing for few minutes at first. 02:01:56.560 --> 02:01:59.119 All country leaders were standing there and waiting. 02:01:59.120 --> 02:02:01.879 Five, ten minutes have passed. 02:02:01.920 --> 02:02:07.279 They weren't paying attention of course to what was happening around. 02:02:07.280 --> 02:02:10.399 I guess that in terms of the protocol 02:02:10.400 --> 02:02:12.759 there was an awkward pause. 02:02:12.760 --> 02:02:15.439 But it didn't really hang in the air, 02:02:15.480 --> 02:02:18.159 cause all leaders of the countries 02:02:18.160 --> 02:02:22.879 were glancing into the corner where two presidents were sitting 02:02:23.320 --> 02:02:26.359 and we could feel the complete understanding 02:02:26.400 --> 02:02:31.959 of how important this talk was for the whole world. 02:02:35.800 --> 02:02:39.239 Of course Putin and Obama didn't succeed 02:02:39.240 --> 02:02:41.119 in solving Syria’s problem. 02:02:41.120 --> 02:02:42.919 However... 02:02:42.960 --> 02:02:46.119 disposal of the chemical weapon stocks 02:02:46.800 --> 02:02:49.079 which Syria had back then 02:02:49.080 --> 02:02:51.719 did take place and it is completed. 02:02:51.760 --> 02:02:53.079 And who knows, 02:02:53.080 --> 02:02:57.559 if they wouldn't reach an agreement then on disposal of the chemical weapon 02:02:57.920 --> 02:03:01.359 what could have happened today 02:03:01.360 --> 02:03:03.679 if it would get into the hands of ISIS? 02:03:03.680 --> 02:03:06.999 Into the hands of people who are cutting off heads 02:03:07.000 --> 02:03:09.319 burning people alive etc. 02:03:15.720 --> 02:03:19.519 He was urging his partners to make agreements 02:03:19.520 --> 02:03:24.919 not for a half-step ahead, not for a period of 2-3 years 02:03:24.960 --> 02:03:27.919 when on the next elections 02:03:27.960 --> 02:03:33.279 they'll need to impress the voters with a new glamorous victory, 02:03:33.280 --> 02:03:35.359 no it should be a bit further 02:03:35.360 --> 02:03:37.359 Looking beyond the horizon. 02:03:37.360 --> 02:03:39.919 You see that's the thing 02:03:39.920 --> 02:03:44.359 which really differs our Western partners from Putin. 02:03:49.320 --> 02:03:54.559 So, you are proposing this concept of the fair world order, 02:03:54.560 --> 02:03:57.439 but you suddenly find out that the world isn't willing to listen to you. 02:03:57.440 --> 02:04:00.119 They are calling black white and vice versa. 02:04:00.160 --> 02:04:04.799 Do they fear the role Russia began to play in the world? 02:04:04.840 --> 02:04:08.319 When from practically failing state 02:04:08.320 --> 02:04:12.479 it suddenly became a powerful political player? 02:04:12.480 --> 02:04:14.559 When you became if I may say so 02:04:14.560 --> 02:04:17.079 the leader of the conservative part 02:04:17.080 --> 02:04:19.279 of both European and American society? 02:04:19.280 --> 02:04:21.119 Well, you are digging too deep. 02:04:21.120 --> 02:04:22.959 Sometimes I get a feeling 02:04:22.960 --> 02:04:25.959 that they like us only when we need humanitarian aid from them. 02:04:25.960 --> 02:04:28.879 Everything is good then, they are sending potatoes, 02:04:28.880 --> 02:04:31.319 and I'm very thankful for that no kidding, 02:04:31.360 --> 02:04:33.959 many people were doing this sincerely, 02:04:33.960 --> 02:04:35.919 ordinary people in particular 02:04:35.920 --> 02:04:39.359 However so-called establishment, 02:04:39.360 --> 02:04:42.919 political and economic elites of these countries 02:04:42.960 --> 02:04:46.679 they only like us when we are poor and standing with a begging bowl. 02:04:46.680 --> 02:04:49.719 As soon as we start talking about our interests 02:04:49.760 --> 02:04:53.119 and they start feeling sort of geopolitical competition, 02:04:53.120 --> 02:04:54.799 they don't like that. 02:04:54.840 --> 02:04:57.119 Well, would you like if a new guy comes to your TV channel, 02:04:57.120 --> 02:04:59.079 strong, powerful and young, 02:04:59.360 --> 02:05:03.559 with good manners and encyclopedic education 02:05:03.600 --> 02:05:05.559 and will be slowly pushing you out? 02:05:05.600 --> 02:05:08.439 You'd be struggling too and start fighting him. 02:05:08.480 --> 02:05:10.959 You know that's the human nature. 02:05:10.960 --> 02:05:13.399 Same story for international relations. 02:05:14.480 --> 02:05:16.799 I am strongly convinced 02:05:16.800 --> 02:05:20.839 that we aren't breaching any game rules. 02:05:20.840 --> 02:05:22.119 By the game rules 02:05:22.120 --> 02:05:25.679 I mean primarily public international law, 02:05:25.680 --> 02:05:29.079 UN Charter and everything associated with it. 02:05:29.080 --> 02:05:31.639 It concerns our relations with Ukraine 02:05:31.640 --> 02:05:33.559 it concerns situation in Crimea, 02:05:33.560 --> 02:05:37.639 it concerns how we position ourselves 02:05:37.640 --> 02:05:39.719 in other regions of the world, 02:05:39.760 --> 02:05:42.039 in regard to fighting international terrorism. 02:05:42.040 --> 02:05:46.919 It concerns our problems in the field of global security. 02:05:46.920 --> 02:05:50.279 By that I mean for instance 02:05:50.280 --> 02:05:55.159 our position on USA withdrawal from the crucial treaty 02:05:55.160 --> 02:05:58.519 on the limitation of Anti-Ballistic Missile Systems. 02:05:59.080 --> 02:06:02.879 When we start bringing this up, 02:06:02.880 --> 02:06:06.879 when we mention for instance that there is a threat 02:06:06.880 --> 02:06:09.039 of NATO expanding to the East 02:06:09.240 --> 02:06:12.119 and military infrastructure approaching our borders 02:06:12.120 --> 02:06:18.639 That's how you go out for confrontation. 02:06:20.160 --> 02:06:24.519 And at this moment 02:06:24.560 --> 02:06:29.719 as we can see, it took the form of so-called sanctions. 02:06:29.720 --> 02:06:32.759 I was mentioning it in my address already, 02:06:32.760 --> 02:06:35.639 that it's no more than the attempt 02:06:35.640 --> 02:06:38.039 to restrain Russia's development. 02:06:38.040 --> 02:06:42.279 We see such attempts during all Russian history, 02:06:42.280 --> 02:06:44.319 from the tzar's times. 02:06:44.320 --> 02:06:47.279 This attempt of restraining Russia 02:06:47.280 --> 02:06:52.799 it's a policy known for centuries. 02:06:52.800 --> 02:06:54.759 There is nothing new. 02:06:54.760 --> 02:06:58.639 However, we shouldn't be too worried. 02:07:24.920 --> 02:07:27.519 was hoisted and I was singing really loud. 02:07:27.520 --> 02:07:28.959 Almost shouting. 02:07:31.720 --> 02:07:35.559 Because country under this flag won 02:07:35.560 --> 02:07:41.759 and I just wanted to sing very loud and to shout 02:07:45.880 --> 02:07:50.599 During Olympics and all these events in Kiev and Ukraine, 02:07:50.640 --> 02:07:54.359 when anti-Putin propaganda (or even hysteria) started in Kiev, 02:07:54.360 --> 02:07:56.799 Putin is here, he is killing Maidan, 02:07:56.800 --> 02:07:58.239 Putin is shooting our children." 02:07:58.240 --> 02:08:00.039 That's what was happening 02:08:00.200 --> 02:08:04.319 and from a private matter it became public and even national one, 02:08:04.360 --> 02:08:06.439 and disability to control the situation 02:08:06.440 --> 02:08:08.479 and the way Western partners were acting. 02:08:08.480 --> 02:08:12.599 And when I saw Putin gritting his teeth 02:08:12.600 --> 02:08:17.279 I suddenly realized that some new strategy will be launched now. 02:08:17.560 --> 02:08:21.199 Cause there wasn't anything said, 02:08:21.200 --> 02:08:23.999 no glass was returned on the table this time 02:08:24.000 --> 02:08:26.079 everything was very peaceful and quiet. 02:08:26.080 --> 02:08:29.679 It was clear though that he saw himself as representative of Russia, 02:08:29.720 --> 02:08:33.839 which was not respected and they tried to push away and insult. 02:08:33.840 --> 02:08:38.439 It's a feeling of adequacy to the country, 02:08:38.480 --> 02:08:42.959 to the history of this country, 02:08:42.960 --> 02:08:45.159 it's a feeling of a certain mission. 02:08:45.160 --> 02:08:48.119 You start understanding that this is history. 02:08:48.160 --> 02:08:50.599 The most important for us was to understand 02:08:50.600 --> 02:08:53.279 what do people living in Crimea want. 02:08:53.280 --> 02:08:56.439 Do they want to stay in Ukraine or to be with Russia? 02:08:56.440 --> 02:08:58.879 And if people do want to return to Russia 02:08:58.880 --> 02:09:02.199 and don't want to be under the rule of neo-Nazi, 02:09:02.200 --> 02:09:04.759 extreme nationalists and banderovites, 02:09:04.800 --> 02:09:07.759 we don't have a right to desert them then. 02:09:08.360 --> 02:09:11.079 And this is absolutely a matter of principle. 02:09:11.080 --> 02:09:15.399 That's what I was telling to my partners back then. 02:09:15.400 --> 02:09:17.359 I was telling them 02:09:17.400 --> 02:09:21.159 that this was a crucial issue for us. people. 02:09:21.200 --> 02:09:24.519 I don't know what kind of interests you will be defending, 02:09:24.520 --> 02:09:27.119 but we'll go till the end defending ours. 02:09:27.160 --> 02:09:29.519 And this is extremely important. 02:09:29.520 --> 02:09:33.799 Not because we want to get a piece of the pie. 02:09:33.800 --> 02:09:37.999 And not even because Crimea's strategic importance in Black Sea region. 02:09:38.040 --> 02:09:42.399 But because it's an element of historical justice. 02:09:43.640 --> 02:09:45.799 I believe that we did the right thing. 02:09:45.840 --> 02:09:47.559 And I don't regret anything. 02:09:49.960 --> 02:09:52.719 We flew to Crimea for referendum. 02:09:52.760 --> 02:09:54.919 It’s incredible feeling! 02:09:54.920 --> 02:09:58.919 We saw families going out with balloons, 02:09:58.920 --> 02:10:02.719 kids with flags of Russian Federation. 02:10:02.720 --> 02:10:04.839 And all of them are going to elections 02:10:04.840 --> 02:10:06.719 with happy faces. 02:10:06.720 --> 02:10:10.159 I saw sober guys crying on the square in Simferopol 02:10:10.160 --> 02:10:11.599 Not drunk! 02:10:13.080 --> 02:10:16.199 Crying from the feeling of incredible happiness, 02:10:16.200 --> 02:10:18.519 that finally they have returned home 02:10:20.120 --> 02:10:25.319 There was a performance on the fly and we sang. 02:10:26.120 --> 02:10:27.439 Russia, 02:10:27.440 --> 02:10:34.839 from Crimea to Yenisei." 02:10:35.920 --> 02:10:38.239 From Crimea to Yenisei... 02:10:38.240 --> 02:10:40.879 They were so incredibly happy! 02:10:40.880 --> 02:10:42.479 Everybody I have seen. 02:10:46.520 --> 02:10:53.199 After a long hard and exhausting voyage 02:10:53.240 --> 02:10:55.679 Crimea and Sevastopol 02:10:55.680 --> 02:10:58.759 are returning to the home harbor 02:10:58.760 --> 02:11:00.319 to the home shores 02:11:00.320 --> 02:11:04.039 to the permanent registration harbor. to Russia! 02:11:06.640 --> 02:11:10.319 RUSSIA! RUSSIA! RUSSIA! 02:11:12.800 --> 02:11:15.799 Great! He is simple, cool. I like him. 02:11:15.920 --> 02:11:22.039 I think he is tough enough, but... I think if you are a president of a big strong country 02:11:22.040 --> 02:11:28.199 you must be big and strong the same way as the country. 02:11:28.760 --> 02:11:29.919 How many pull-ups do you do? 02:11:30.320 --> 02:11:31.879 50. - Really? 02:11:33.360 --> 02:11:35.999 preparing the same way. - These are our people. 02:11:38.800 --> 02:11:44.519 That generation which grew up during Putin times is the majority of our society 02:11:45.800 --> 02:11:51.159 which will lead Russia further next 50 years. 02:11:52.160 --> 02:11:57.959 This is the generation which step by step have learnt to say the word 'patriotism', 02:11:58.280 --> 02:12:04.879 This is the generation which have learnt to wear dresses with Russian flag, and be proud of it. 02:12:06.440 --> 02:12:13.519 This is the generation which knows that this, this and this in our country 02:12:13.520 --> 02:12:16.359 is much better than anywhere else in the world. 02:12:21.440 --> 02:12:25.399 What was 15 years ago? Disbelief and ruins in heads 02:12:26.120 --> 02:12:33.039 Then a hope, and today unlimited trust that we are building the state correctly 02:12:33.600 --> 02:12:37.399 For these 15 years not simply many things have changed. 02:12:37.640 --> 02:12:39.159 We have changed completely. 02:12:39.640 --> 02:12:41.399 Our society has become different. 02:12:42.280 --> 02:12:49.359 We can see a new, powerful, independent Russia able to protect itself. 02:13:01.720 --> 02:13:07.839 I went to Vladimir and to Suzdal to see the sights. 02:13:09.440 --> 02:13:16.239 And in one of Suzdal monasteries I wrote a note for health. 02:13:16.800 --> 02:13:18.359 I was recognized. 02:13:20.840 --> 02:13:22.639 Mother Superior of the monastery came up to me, 02:13:24.400 --> 02:13:31.239 and says: Aleksey Borisovych, do you know that for the last year 02:13:32.360 --> 02:13:39.919 a number of notes for health of President of Russian Federation Putin increased drastically? 02:13:48.160 --> 02:13:53.999 She says: They write like this in notes for health President of Russian Federation. 02:14:08.880 --> 02:14:13.159 Vladimir Vladimirovych Putin visited our monastery on September 9th 2005. 02:14:13.400 --> 02:14:18.919 It was the first visit of head of Russian state in the history of Athos. 02:14:20.760 --> 02:14:24.559 After the ceremonial welcome in the capital city of Athos, Karyes, 02:14:24.560 --> 02:14:28.399 Vladimir Vladimirovych took the driver’s seat 02:14:29.080 --> 02:14:31.399 and drove to Iveron monastery. 02:14:31.720 --> 02:14:35.719 And just at the exit there was a mule of Athos standing 02:14:38.320 --> 02:14:45.959 First there was a police car. then I drove on my car, and after me President drove 02:14:46.120 --> 02:14:55.719 And just before him this mule, for some reason, ran out to the road and ran strictly in the middle of the 02:14:56.200 --> 02:15:00.279 He tried to take to the left, and the mule took to the left, to the right - and that to the right, such 02:15:00.640 --> 02:15:05.199 So, the President understood that something was wrong, and he followed the mule. 02:15:06.240 --> 02:15:08.279 I must tell you: there was nothing like this in Athos. 02:15:08.520 --> 02:15:15.159 So that a mule or a donkey, as we call it, ran in front of any car and didn't allow to bypass... 02:15:15.160 --> 02:15:18.799 there was no such case, never. 02:15:19.160 --> 02:15:25.759 But when on the way back we were driving, a car of police passed by, then I drove by, 02:15:25.800 --> 02:15:31.679 we saw that the mule stayed at the same place and watched us, as if waiting for us. 02:15:32.160 --> 02:15:36.479 It passed us by without problems, like nothing happened. 02:15:36.520 --> 02:15:39.439 We stopped and looked back what would be next 02:15:40.000 --> 02:15:43.359 As soon as the car of Vladimir Vladimirovych appeared from the turn, 02:15:43.760 --> 02:15:47.999 this mule, as if was waiting, ran out to the road at once, turned around 02:15:48.160 --> 02:15:50.799 police car and my car were watching it, 02:15:51.520 --> 02:15:55.199 and it started to run uphill which is harder. 02:15:55.800 --> 02:16:00.239 Again the same way, in the middle of the road ahead of the President's car. 02:16:00.480 --> 02:16:04.959 When going uphill, the mule, maybe because of fatigue, slacked down 02:16:05.080 --> 02:16:09.559 Vladimir Vladimirovych slacked down, he didn't bypass it. But the mule broke in pace. 02:16:10.000 --> 02:16:14.759 And it could be seen that it ran out, Vladimir Vladimirovych took a little to the left. 02:16:14.760 --> 02:16:20.239 started to bypass it, reached it and stopped near it, it was recorded from the car. 02:16:20.480 --> 02:16:22.679 And the mule also stopped stone-still at once. 02:16:22.960 --> 02:16:29.319 And several minutes, I can’t tell you exactly, I didn't count... we saw that they were standing. 02:16:29.680 --> 02:16:32.239 Honestly saying, I can’t explain it. 02:16:32.559 --> 02:16:40.279 Certainly, I want to notice one thing: if it happened it is a certain sign of Holy Mother, patroness of 02:16:40.719 --> 02:16:45.398 It was a certain sign to the President. But I think it is easier for him to understand it. 02:16:51.760 --> 02:16:56.199 He never comes unprepared for any events. 02:16:58.360 --> 02:17:03.359 When he comes to such events like a press conference or live stream, 02:17:03.400 --> 02:17:06.558 he prepares for many many days. 02:17:10.320 --> 02:17:17.599 He has 100% concentration, 100%. Every time... tension.. 02:17:17.600 --> 02:17:22.119 maybe it has to do with inner concentration 02:17:23.520 --> 02:17:29.519 Because Presidents come to speak such Presidents like Putin, 02:17:29.520 --> 02:17:31.839 the price of his words is too high. 02:17:44.600 --> 02:17:48.079 Vladimir Vladimirovych, things that happen to our economy now is a payback for the Crimea, 02:17:48.080 --> 02:17:50.199 maybe it's time to tell frankly about it? 02:17:51.400 --> 02:17:54.478 No, it is not a payback for the Crimea. 02:17:55.000 --> 02:18:00.999 This is a payback... or to be precise, it is a payment for our natural wish 02:18:01.040 --> 02:18:07.119 to save ourselves like a nation, like a civilization, like a state. 02:18:07.400 --> 02:18:17.239 I made an example at so called Valdai club and recalled our most recognized symbol 02:18:17.240 --> 02:18:21.079 a bear, who guards its taiga. 02:18:21.440 --> 02:18:28.999 You know what if I continue such analogues... the idea comes to my head as well. 02:18:29.120 --> 02:18:34.558 maybe our teddy-bear must sit calmly, not run pigs and gilts around taiga 02:18:35.639 --> 02:18:41.519 and eat berries, honey, maybe it will be left alone. They will not leave it alone. 02:18:42.000 --> 02:18:45.398 Because they will always try to enchain it. 02:18:46.400 --> 02:18:51.718 And as soon as they enchain it, they will tear away both teeth and claws. 02:18:52.360 --> 02:18:58.079 And then, after this, as soon as tear away teeth and claws, the teddy-bear is not required at all. 02:18:58.520 --> 02:19:01.159 They will make a stuffed animal, that's it. That's why the matter is not in the Crimea. 02:19:01.440 --> 02:19:07.558 The matter is that we protect our independence, our sovereignty and the right for existence. 02:19:07.559 --> 02:19:09.599 This is what we all must understand. 02:19:09.719 --> 02:19:13.638 When the Crimea started and when the spirit of patriotism appeared 02:19:13.639 --> 02:19:16.878 it suddenly turned out that we have an army. 02:19:18.240 --> 02:19:20.919 It suddenly turned out that we have a military industrial complex. 02:19:21.480 --> 02:19:26.759 It suddenly turned out that despite all statements, including liberal members of your team, 02:19:26.760 --> 02:19:31.318 that we shouldn't spend money for defense, it was unexpectedly, unnoticeably 02:19:31.840 --> 02:19:35.439 that the military industrial complex was formed again to be proud of? 02:19:35.600 --> 02:19:39.119 If we didn't have the military industrial complex and army 02:19:39.120 --> 02:19:44.359 we couldn't overcome all problems concerning fight with international terrorism. 02:19:44.879 --> 02:19:49.279 Even at the most difficult times from the point of view of economy in the beginning of 2000s, 02:19:49.320 --> 02:19:55.039 we did not simply gather an army, and then, I have already told about it, 02:19:55.320 --> 02:20:01.199 with total number of 1 million 300 thousand people I hardly gathered 50 000... 02:20:02.400 --> 02:20:10.519 I took troops from the Far East, marines from the Northern fleet, we made up 50 000 ready for fight. 02:20:11.640 --> 02:20:13.279 Now it is a completely different story. 02:20:13.879 --> 02:20:22.319 Material conditions of the armed forces until present was just poor, both moral, and material. 02:20:22.720 --> 02:20:28.279 You know, concerning this, I would like to use this opportunity, as they say in such cases, 02:20:28.720 --> 02:20:35.119 again to say thanks to all our soldiers who at that time difficult for the country 02:20:35.560 --> 02:20:39.878 saved the country on their shoulders, with empty pockets, 02:20:39.879 --> 02:20:47.079 and I would say in miserable conditions of the armed forces. I highly appreciate it! 02:20:51.280 --> 02:20:55.759 the famous 6th squadron of 76th air assault division... 02:20:55.800 --> 02:21:02.439 in 2000 around our 100 troopers against 1000-1200 02:21:04.200 --> 02:21:06.279 At that time there were such gangs in Chechnya. 02:21:08.760 --> 02:21:09.958 The fight was completely unequal. 02:21:15.879 --> 02:21:24.079 My son was a commander and guys told that they heard all messages. 02:21:24.360 --> 02:21:32.999 His last words were: Drawing the fire on me. Farewell, pals. 02:21:36.520 --> 02:21:54.759 Their fight lasted around one day and ended with 6 alive from 90 guys, and 84 were lost. 02:21:59.760 --> 02:22:04.079 We made the decision, President made the decision to visit this place. 02:22:04.400 --> 02:22:06.999 We didn’t control this area at that time. 02:22:07.200 --> 02:22:10.039 When the President flew away, it was still calm. 02:22:10.080 --> 02:22:17.199 But when special forces were leaving this altitude, fighters moved towards this attitude. 02:22:17.760 --> 02:22:25.039 It was not your fault that the country appeared in such conditions that it is now. 02:22:26.560 --> 02:22:37.079 But we are happy that there are such people whom you raised, with whom you lived. 02:22:39.480 --> 02:22:42.399 Who stood on the way of further collapse of the country. 02:22:49.120 --> 02:22:51.039 And anyway somebody had to do it. 02:22:51.720 --> 02:22:58.079 After the 10th anniversary I phoned everybody, found all addresses. 02:23:00.160 --> 02:23:06.958 Found out all problems, of all, what and who had, what and who needed. 02:23:08.080 --> 02:23:11.439 It was a set of papers this thick. 02:23:12.280 --> 02:23:18.279 In ten days I received a phone call: this set of papers got to Vladimir Vladimirovych. 02:23:19.000 --> 02:23:20.559 He wants to meet you. 02:23:20.760 --> 02:23:29.559 And every governor visited personally in each family, found out all problems, everything was solved, 02:23:29.800 --> 02:23:39.199 so that everything was made before this meeting which was appointed with the President in Moscow. 02:23:39.640 --> 02:23:47.919 Here, you know, the attitude to those parents who are left without their children. 02:23:48.600 --> 02:23:53.919 Our children, they all gave the oath, that's why they knew how it could end. 02:23:54.360 --> 02:23:55.599 This famous fight. 02:23:57.680 --> 02:24:02.639 To my mind, it was already crucial in many aspects The the course of Chechen campaign. 02:24:03.760 --> 02:24:11.799 Because fighters, terrorists, who fought against us, I think, after this fight, understood 02:24:13.080 --> 02:24:18.359 that they would fail to break the fighting spirit and the will of our army. 02:24:23.040 --> 02:24:29.719 Today army is certainly far from what it was 15 years ago. 02:24:31.120 --> 02:24:36.119 The President announces and gives command to make a spot check, for example, Far Eastern 02:24:39.120 --> 02:24:44.559 And we raise 156 000 soldiers within hours. 02:24:46.000 --> 02:24:51.359 This is thousands of armored vehicles, hundreds of air crafts and ships. 02:24:52.920 --> 02:24:55.399 Number of exercises increased manyfold 02:24:57.959 --> 02:25:00.159 In one word: the shell took off. 02:25:02.840 --> 02:25:07.999 The army felt itself like army. Officers started to respect themselves. 02:25:10.840 --> 02:25:14.399 The contract service has become attractive and prestigious. 02:25:14.680 --> 02:25:19.599 If there is no army, strong army, all the rest may not be required. 02:25:20.240 --> 02:25:22.199 And this will be not our country. 02:25:22.800 --> 02:25:24.279 Moments of absolute happiness? 02:25:25.080 --> 02:25:29.079 Oh, it’s hard to tell you. 02:25:30.080 --> 02:25:35.119 I can tell that in general we managed..., and everything together. 02:25:36.080 --> 02:25:41.319 All together it may cause some satisfaction 02:25:42.160 --> 02:25:45.279 when you understand where we were and what we have done. 02:25:45.560 --> 02:25:47.799 Well, let’s start with the country: we saved the country. 02:25:48.520 --> 02:25:50.759 Raised GDP 2 fold. 02:25:51.360 --> 02:25:58.958 In comparison with 1999, the expenses of the Federal budget have risen 22 times, 02:25:58.959 --> 02:26:01.878 if we look at 2014. 02:26:02.240 --> 02:26:06.439 Real income of the population risen 3 fold. 02:26:07.240 --> 02:26:13.639 The number of our people who lives behind the poverty line was almost 42 mln people. 02:26:13.920 --> 02:26:20.839 And now we have almost in 3 times, 2,8 times less of people living behind the poverty line. 02:26:21.440 --> 02:26:27.958 All this together allowed us to solve one more very complicated task. 02:26:28.480 --> 02:26:41.639 Look, in 1999 and in 2000 the natural decrease of the population was 929 000 people, to my mind. 02:26:42.320 --> 02:26:43.639 I.e. almost 1 million. 02:26:44.920 --> 02:26:48.279 The difference between deaths and births was 1 million in favour of the first. 02:26:48.959 --> 02:26:53.999 If we lost 1 million every year, i.e. Russia, it is a catastrophe. 02:26:54.800 --> 02:26:56.799 Russia would slowly stop to exist. 02:26:57.160 --> 02:27:01.119 We did not only stabilize and break this situation, 02:27:01.160 --> 02:27:04.359 and two years in a row we have the natural increase. 02:27:04.800 --> 02:27:06.079 Nobody believed in it. 02:27:07.080 --> 02:27:13.239 This is not due to mother capital and other systems of maternity and childhood support. 02:27:13.560 --> 02:27:17.878 This is due to the general situation. I repeat it gives more confidence to people 02:27:17.879 --> 02:27:21.439 in that they can have more children, raise and educate them, and so on. 02:27:23.760 --> 02:27:28.639 This is some kind of a multiplier indeed of what has been done. 02:27:30.360 --> 02:27:39.799 Maybe, all this together, when thinking about, when analysing it, this can't but bring satisfaction. 02:27:43.440 --> 02:27:45.799 For citizens of Nagin in Northern Ossetia 02:27:45.800 --> 02:27:49.159 the commissioning of a new sports complex became a real holiday. 02:27:50.000 --> 02:27:54.559 The platform is 130 m above the sea level. This is like two Spasskiy towers. 02:27:54.560 --> 02:27:57.759 The area is just a bit bigger than of a standard football field 02:27:58.600 --> 02:28:03.559 Specialists say: There is no such center with such equipment in Europe 02:28:05.400 --> 02:28:09.039 The new hydro-electric power station on the Angara has become the most up-to-date hydro-energy of 02:28:09.200 --> 02:28:11.479 Besides, all equipment is produced by national companies. 02:28:12.320 --> 02:28:17.559 From today the Russky island is called student's capital of the Far East. 02:28:20.000 --> 02:28:25.999 The Northern stream starts from here. The big road of Russian gas to the West starts from here. 02:28:27.360 --> 02:28:32.039 Russia, in Olympic Sochi, at Olympic level, meets Formula 1. 02:28:32.480 --> 02:28:34.958 The legendary auto race took place for the first time in Russia. 02:28:35.120 --> 02:28:38.159 Today here there are the best pilots of the world. 02:28:40.480 --> 02:28:46.399 - The church has its understanding of what authority must be. 02:28:47.640 --> 02:28:53.199 At the same time, this understanding is expressed not by my close predecessors, not by me. 02:28:53.920 --> 02:28:57.239 It exists during the whole history of the church. 02:28:58.560 --> 02:29:03.799 The church associates the authority, especially the top representatives of the authority, 02:29:03.800 --> 02:29:06.639 with the must-have requirement. 02:29:07.240 --> 02:29:13.159 full devotion of themselves to that service which they are are called for. 02:29:13.800 --> 02:29:17.439 You can't say that this person is working as a President. 02:29:17.760 --> 02:29:23.559 He serves in his country as a President. I think it speaks for itself. 02:29:30.320 --> 02:29:32.679 Vladimir Vladimirovych, 15 years of Presidency, 02:29:32.680 --> 02:29:36.719 what does a person who decides to be a President have to give up? 02:29:42.000 --> 02:29:47.079 Some normal everyday life. 02:29:48.360 --> 02:29:53.799 It is inevitable. It is impossible to live like a normal person. 02:29:54.200 --> 02:29:58.599 You can’t go to the cinema, can’t go just like this to the theatre, can't go shopping 02:29:58.600 --> 02:30:02.958 which is also not deprived of certain sense and satisfaction. 02:30:03.320 --> 02:30:07.239 But these are not big losses in comparison with... 02:30:12.560 --> 02:30:18.679 what the fate and the people give to those persons who appear in my place. 02:30:19.920 --> 02:30:25.359 And this is to make maximum contribution, everything what depends on me or on us 02:30:25.360 --> 02:30:30.919 or those who work at such positions for one’s own country, people. 02:30:31.280 --> 02:30:32.359 It compensates everything.