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Viktor Zolotov

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Director of the Federal Service of the National Guard Troops and Commander-in-Chief of the National Guard · Russia

On the regime page: Russian Federation under Vladimir Putin

2 quotes, oldest first. Filter with other speakers.

Content note: Threat of violence against a political opponent (a 'duel') The words are shown as they were said or written. Why
“You have made me the subject of insulting, defamatory remarks. It is not customary among officers simply to forgive. From time immemorial, scoundrels have had their faces smashed and been called to duels. Mr. Navalny, no one is stopping us from reviving at least some of these traditions, by which I mean a challenge. I simply challenge you to a duel — in the ring, on the judo mat, wherever, and I promise to make good, juicy mincemeat of you”
Original (Russian)
Хочу сказать, что в своем выступлении вы в отношении меня допустили оскорбительные клеветнические измышления. И знаете, вот в офицерской среде не принято просто так прощать это. Испокон веков еще подлеца били по лицу и вызывали на дуэль. Господин Навальный, нам же никто не мешает вернуть хотя бы часть тех замечательных традиций? Я имею в виду сатисфакцию. Я просто вызываю вас на поединок: на ринг, на татами — куда угодно. Где обещаю за несколько минут сделать из вас хорошую сочную отбивную.
English: English as published by Meduza (English edition), 11 September 2018; Russian text as published by Mediazona (zona.media), 11 September 2018
September 11, 2018 · Broadcast · Moscow (video address posted on the National Guard YouTube channel) Verified (secondary source)
Zolotov responded to an Anti-Corruption Foundation investigation alleging that National Guard food procurement had been inflated. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said he did not consider the remarks a physical threat to Navalny.
Video address by National Guard director Viktor Zolotov to Alexei Navalny, posted 11 September 2018, as quoted by Meduza and Mediazona Source
Content note: Contempt for Ukrainians ('vassals') The words are shown as they were said or written. Why
“the German Chancellor has said that talk about genocide in Donbass is laughable. You know, I would like to hear what he would say if German citizens were living in that territory and if they were subjected to artillery fire every day. What would he say and would he chuckle about this? Mr Macron said (you have just spoken with him and told us what he said) that the Ukrainian authorities were ready to implement the Minsk accords. Our colleagues are absolutely right in saying that this is not the case. Moreover, Zelensky states that they are ready to create nuclear arsenals. So, what will we come to? At the same time, we do not border on Ukraine, we have no border with Ukraine. This is the Americans’ border, because they are the masters in that country, while the Ukrainians are their vassals. And the fact that they are rushing weapons to Ukraine and are trying to create nuclear arsenals will backfire on us in the future. Recognising these republics is certainly a must. I would like to say that we should go ever further to defend our country. That is all I have to say.”
Original (Russian)
Канцлер Германии высказался в том духе, что разговоры о геноциде населения Донбасса вызывают смех. Вы знаете, я бы хотел посмотреть, как бы он высказался, если бы на этой территории жили граждане Германии и ежедневно подвергались обстрелам. Что бы он сказал и как бы он смеялся над этим? Господин Макрон сказал – вы как раз сейчас беседовали, говорили о том, что он сказал, что власти Украины готовы выполнять Минские договорённости. Коллеги сейчас абсолютно правильно говорят: они заявляют, что нет, более того, они говорят, Зеленский уже заявляет о готовности создать ядерные арсеналы. Так к чему мы придём? В то же время мы не граничим с Украиной, у нас нет границы с Украиной. Это граница американцев, потому что они хозяева в этой стране, а эти все у них – вассалы. И то, что они так накачивают их оружием, то, что пытаются сейчас создать ядерные арсеналы, – нам тогда в будущем это аукнется. Конечно же, признание этих республик обязательно. И хочу сказать, нам нужно идти дальше, для того чтобы защищать свою страну. Я всё сказал.
English: English text published by the Presidential Press and Information Office, en.kremlin.ru (Security Council meeting, 21 February 2022)
February 21, 2022 · Statement · Moscow, Kremlin (Security Council meeting)
Televised meeting of the Security Council on recognising the Donetsk and Luhansk 'people's republics', held on the eve of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine; Putin called on members one by one to state their view. Russia recognised both entities as independent later that day. Zolotov responded to remarks by German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and French President Macron and described Ukraine's relationship with the United States.
Remarks at the Security Council meeting chaired by President Putin, Moscow, 21 February 2022 (transcript, kremlin.ru) Source