"Back then, there were efforts to finish off Russia, to dismantle everything left after the collapse of the Soviet Union - and now, it seems, some still dream of this, thinking that the world would be more obedient, easier to control. But Russia has time and again halted those who have reached for global supremacy, whoever they may be. And this will continue. The world won’t be better off [without Russia]; those attempting to do this need to finally understand- it will only make things more difficult," the president stated at the Valdai International Discussion Club session.

“I think Russian citizens and the experts in this room also remember well the forces behind the terrorists in the North Caucasus, where they received weapons, money, and moral, political, ideological, and informational support, and in what quantities. It’s almost laughable to remember, though it’s both sad and absurd. As they said, ‘It’s al-Qaeda.’ It seemed that al-Qaeda was generally considered bad, but if they were fighting against us, well, that was okay. What is that supposed to mean? This kind of attitude leads to conflicts,” Putin remarked.

"You come to the G8, and it becomes clear from the outside that before the G8, the G7 had separate meetings, held separate conversations, and they discussed Russia. And then they invited Russia to talk with them. So, you look at it. I was smiling the whole time. And they hug you so nicely and pat you on the shoulder. But in practice, they do the opposite.