---
title: Vladimir Putin
url: https://propagandaarchive.org/quotes/vladimir-putin/
description: 23 verified quotes from Vladimir Putin, President of the Russian Federation, with sources.
section: FRAME
---

![Illustration: a redacted Cold War intelligence-dossier collage centred on a world map of influence operations, with the U.S. Capitol among the evidence.](https://propagandaarchive.org/static/generated/hero-home.jpg)

[Quotes](https://propagandaarchive.org/quotes/) · Russia

# Vladimir Putin

![Vladimir Putin, 30 September 2025](https://propagandaarchive.org/regimes/images/putin-government/vladimir-putin.jpg)

[Photo](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:%D0%92%D0%BB%D0%B0%D0%B4%D0%B8%D0%BC%D0%B8%D1%80_%D0%9F%D1%83%D1%82%D0%B8%D0%BD_(2025-09-30)_(cropped).jpg): Presidential Press and Information Office (kremlin.ru), CC BY 4.0

President of the Russian Federation · Russia

On the regime page: [Russian Federation under Vladimir Putin](https://propagandaarchive.org/regimes/putin-government/#vladimir-putin)

23 quotes, oldest first. [Filter with other speakers](https://propagandaarchive.org/quotes/#speaker=vladimir-putin).

1. **Content note:** Crude threat to kill suspected terrorists. The words are shown as they were said or written. [Why](https://propagandaarchive.org/about/#as-it-was) — > “We will pursue them everywhere. Excuse me for saying so: we’ll catch them in the toilet. We’ll wipe them out in the outhouse.” — Original (Russian) — Мы будем преследовать террористов везде. В аэропорту - в аэропорту. Значит, вы уж меня извините, в туалете поймаем, мы и в сортире их замочим, в конце концов — English: Kennan Institute (Wilson Center), English rendering in the blog post "An Act of Terror Cannot Occur on Russian Soil" (March 2024) — September 24, 1999 · Statement · Astana, Kazakhstan Verified (secondary source) — Putin was prime minister and spoke to reporters during a visit to Kazakhstan, after the September 1999 apartment-building bombings in Russia and as Russian forces began bombarding Chechnya. The remark later became widely associated with his rise to the presidency. — Remarks by Prime Minister Vladimir Putin to reporters, Astana, 24 September 1999; Russian wording as quoted in Rossiyskaya Gazeta, 23 May 2023 [Source](https://rg.ru/2023/05/23/peskov-slova-putina-o-neobhodimosti-mochit-v-sortire-terroristov-aktualny-i-sejchas.html)
2. **Content note:** Crude remark about circumcision directed at a journalist. The words are shown as they were said or written. [Why](https://propagandaarchive.org/about/#as-it-was) — > “If you want to go all the way and become a Muslim radical and are ready to get circumcised, I invite you to Moscow [...] We are a multi-confessional country, we have experts in this field, too. I will recommend that they carry out the operation in such a way that nothing grows back.” — Original (Russian) — Если вы хотите совсем уж стать исламским радикалом и готовы пойти на то, чтобы сделать себе обрезание, то я приглашаю вас в Москву. У нас многоконфессиональная страна, у нас есть специалисты и по этому вопросу. Я порекомендую провести операцию так, чтобы у вас ничего больше не выросло — English: The Moscow Times, "Putin Offers Reporter a Circumcision" (13 November 2002) — November 11, 2002 · Statement · Brussels, Belgium Verified (secondary source) — The reporter had asked about Russian military conduct in Chechnya. Putin's reply began with a statement about radical Islam and ended with this invitation. The Moscow Times reported that the closing remark was cut from footage on state channels and from the presidential press service's report. — Putin's reply to a Le Monde reporter at the press conference after the EU-Russia summit, Brussels, 11 November 2002 [Source](https://www.themoscowtimes.com/archive/putin-offers-reporter-a-circumcision)
3. > “First of all, it should be acknowledged, and I have spoken of this before, that the collapse of the Soviet Union was the greatest geopolitical catastrophe of the century. And for the Russian people, it was a real drama. Tens of millions of our citizens and fellow-countrymen found themselves outside the Russian Federation.” — Original (Russian) — Прежде всего следует признать, что крушение Советского Союза было крупнейшей геополитической катастрофой века. Для российского же народа оно стало настоящей драмой. Десятки миллионов наших сограждан и соотечественников оказались за пределами российской территории. — English: RTR Russia TV, English translation via BBC Monitoring, as published by the Federation of American Scientists (irp.fas.org) — April 25, 2005 · Speech · Moscow, Kremlin Verified (secondary source) — Putin was describing the starting point of modern Russian history to both houses of the Federal Assembly. The passage is among his most cited statements on the end of the USSR. — Annual Address of the President to the Federal Assembly, 25 April 2005 [Source](https://irp.fas.org/news/2005/04/putin042505.html)
4. > “We are seeing a greater and greater disdain for the basic principles of international law. And independent legal norms are, as a matter of fact, coming increasingly closer to one state’s legal system. One state and, of course, first and foremost the United States, has overstepped its national borders in every way. This is visible in the economic, political, cultural and educational policies it imposes on other nations. Well, who likes this? Who is happy about this?” — Original (Russian) — Мы видим все большее пренебрежение основополагающими принципами международного права. Больше того — отдельные нормы, да, по сути — чуть ли не вся система права одного государства, прежде всего, конечно, Соединенных Штатов, перешагнула свои национальные границы во всех сферах: и в экономике, и в политике, и в гуманитарной сфере навязывается другим государствам. Ну, кому это понравится? Кому это понравится? — English: Official English text published on kremlin.ru (Presidential Press and Information Office), as reproduced on Wikisource — February 10, 2007 · Speech · Munich, Germany Verified (secondary source) — Putin addressed the 43rd Munich Conference on Security Policy before an audience of defence ministers, officials and experts from more than 40 countries. The speech set out Russian objections to US policy and NATO enlargement. — Speech and the Following Discussion at the Munich Conference on Security Policy, 10 February 2007 (kremlin.ru/events/president/transcripts/24034) [Source](https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Speech_and_the_Following_Discussion_at_the_Munich_Conference_on_Security_Policy)
5. > “I think it is obvious that NATO expansion does not have any relation with the modernisation of the Alliance itself or with ensuring security in Europe. On the contrary, it represents a serious provocation that reduces the level of mutual trust.” — Original (Russian) — Думаю, очевидно, — процесс натовского расширения не имеет никакого отношения к модернизации самого альянса или к обеспечению безопасности в Европе. Наоборот — это серьезно провоцирующий фактор, снижающий уровень взаимного доверия. — English: Official English text published on kremlin.ru (Presidential Press and Information Office), as reproduced on Wikisource — February 10, 2007 · Speech · Munich, Germany Verified (secondary source) — Putin addressed the 43rd Munich Conference on Security Policy on NATO enlargement. The next sentence asks against whom the expansion is intended. — Speech and the Following Discussion at the Munich Conference on Security Policy, 10 February 2007 (kremlin.ru/events/president/transcripts/24034) [Source](https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Speech_and_the_Following_Discussion_at_the_Munich_Conference_on_Security_Policy)
6. > “Today we are witnessing an almost uncontained hyper use of force – military force – in international relations, force that is plunging the world into an abyss of permanent conflicts.” — Original (Russian) — Сегодня мы наблюдаем почти ничем не сдерживаемое, гипертрофированное применение силы в международных делах — военной силы — силы, ввергающей мир в пучину следующих один за другим конфликтов. — English: Official English text published on kremlin.ru (Presidential Press and Information Office), as reproduced on Wikisource — February 10, 2007 · Speech · Munich, Germany Verified (secondary source) — Putin addressed the 43rd Munich Conference on Security Policy. The sentence is part of his criticism of a unipolar world and does not name a country. — Speech and the Following Discussion at the Munich Conference on Security Policy, 10 February 2007 (kremlin.ru/events/president/transcripts/24034) [Source](https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Speech_and_the_Following_Discussion_at_the_Munich_Conference_on_Security_Policy)
7. > “The unipolar world that had been proposed after the Cold War did not take place either.” — Original (Russian) — Предлагавшийся же после «холодной войны» однополярный мир — тоже не состоялся. — English: Official English text published on kremlin.ru (Presidential Press and Information Office), as reproduced on Wikisource — February 10, 2007 · Speech · Munich, Germany Verified (secondary source) — Putin addressed the 43rd Munich Conference on Security Policy. The sentence comes shortly before he defines a unipolar world as one centre of authority and force. — Speech and the Following Discussion at the Munich Conference on Security Policy, 10 February 2007 (kremlin.ru/events/president/transcripts/24034) [Source](https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Speech_and_the_Following_Discussion_at_the_Munich_Conference_on_Security_Policy)
8. > “In people’s hearts and minds, Crimea has always been an inseparable part of Russia. This firm conviction is based on truth and justice and was passed from generation to generation, over time, under any circumstances, despite all the dramatic changes our country went through during the entire 20th century.” — Original (Russian) — В сердце, в сознании людей Крым всегда был и остаётся неотъемлемой частью России. Эта убеждённость, основанная на правде и справедливости, была непоколебимой, передавалась из поколения в поколение, перед ней были бессильны и время, и обстоятельства, бессильны все драматические перемены, которые мы переживали, переживала наша страна в течение всего XX века. — English: Official English text published on kremlin.ru (Presidential Press and Information Office), as reproduced on Wikisource — March 18, 2014 · Speech · Moscow, Kremlin Verified (secondary source) — Putin addressed the Federal Assembly, government members and delegates from Crimea and Sevastopol two days after the 16 March 2014 Crimean referendum, on the day Russia and Crimean representatives signed a treaty of accession. — Address by the President of the Russian Federation, 18 March 2014 (kremlin.ru/news/20603; English eng.kremlin.ru/news/6889) [Source](https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Address_by_President_of_the_Russian_Federation_on_the_reunification_of_the_Republic_of_Crimea_and_the_city_of_Sevastopol_with_Russia)
9. > “Russia found itself in a position it could not retreat from. If you compress the spring all the way to its limit, it will snap back hard. You must always remember this.” — Original (Russian) — Россия оказалась на рубеже, от которого не могла уже отступить. Если до упора сжимать пружину, она когда-нибудь с силой разожмётся. Надо помнить об этом всегда. — English: Official English text published on kremlin.ru (Presidential Press and Information Office), as reproduced on Wikisource — March 18, 2014 · Speech · Moscow, Kremlin Verified (secondary source) — In this passage Putin was describing Russian reaction to Western policy toward Ukraine in the weeks before the Crimean referendum. — Address by the President of the Russian Federation, 18 March 2014 (kremlin.ru/news/20603; English eng.kremlin.ru/news/6889) [Source](https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Address_by_President_of_the_Russian_Federation_on_the_reunification_of_the_Republic_of_Crimea_and_the_city_of_Sevastopol_with_Russia)
10. **Content note:** Describes domestic opponents as 'national traitors'. The words are shown as they were said or written. [Why](https://propagandaarchive.org/about/#as-it-was) — > “Some Western politicians are already threatening us with not just sanctions but also the prospect of increasingly serious problems on the domestic front. I would like to know what it is they have in mind exactly: action by a fifth column, this disparate bunch of ‘national traitors’, or are they hoping to put us in a worsening social and economic situation so as to provoke public discontent?” — Original (Russian) — Некоторые западные политики уже стращают нас не только санкциями, но и перспективой обострения внутренних проблем. Хотелось бы знать, что они имеют в виду: действия некоей пятой колонны — разного рода «национал-предателей» — или рассчитывают, что смогут ухудшить социально-экономическое положение России и тем самым спровоцировать недовольство людей? — English: Official English text published on kremlin.ru (Presidential Press and Information Office), as reproduced on Wikisource — March 18, 2014 · Speech · Moscow, Kremlin Verified (secondary source) — Putin was answering Western sanctions announced after the Crimean referendum; the passage refers to possible pressure on Russia's domestic politics. — Address by the President of the Russian Federation, 18 March 2014 (kremlin.ru/news/20603; English eng.kremlin.ru/news/6889) [Source](https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Address_by_President_of_the_Russian_Federation_on_the_reunification_of_the_Republic_of_Crimea_and_the_city_of_Sevastopol_with_Russia)
11. **Content note:** Threat of nuclear retaliation. The words are shown as they were said or written. [Why](https://propagandaarchive.org/about/#as-it-was) — > “We will view any use of nuclear weapons against Russia or its allies – be it of small, medium or any force – as a nuclear attack on our country” — Original (Russian) — Любое применение ядерного оружия против России или её союзников малой, средней, да какой угодно мощности мы будем рассматривать как ядерное нападение на нашу страну. — English: Al Jazeera English, "Vladimir Putin unveils new nuclear weapons systems" (1 March 2018) — March 1, 2018 · Speech · Moscow, Manezh Verified (secondary source) — Putin presented new Russian strategic weapons to the Federal Assembly. — Presidential Address to the Federal Assembly, 1 March 2018 (kremlin.ru/events/president/news/56957) [Source](https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2018/3/1/vladimir-putin-unveils-new-nuclear-weapons-systems)
12. > “Look, there are senior executives from our television company Russia Today sitting across from me. What is happening in some countries where they operate? They are being banned. What does this mean? It means those who do so are afraid of the competition. This is what it means.” — Original (Russian) — Смотрите, напротив сидят представители, руководители нашей телевизионной компании Russia Today. Что происходит в некоторых странах, где они работают? Их закрывают. Это что значит? Это значит, боятся конкуренции. Вот что это означает. — English: English transcript of the plenary session published by the Valdai Club, reproducing the Kremlin English text — October 18, 2018 · Speech · Sochi, Russia Verified (secondary source) — Putin was answering a question at the Valdai Club plenary session about media freedom, with RT's editor-in-chief present in the audience. RT and other Russian outlets had faced restrictions in several countries. — Plenary session of the 15th annual meeting of the Valdai International Discussion Club, Sochi, 18 October 2018 [Source](https://valdaiclub.com/events/articles/vladimir-putin-meets-with-valdai-discussion-club)
13. **Content note:** Threat of nuclear retaliation. The words are shown as they were said or written. [Why](https://propagandaarchive.org/about/#as-it-was) — > “Yes, it looks like we are sitting on our hands and waiting until someone uses nuclear weapons against us. Well, yes, this is what it is. But then any aggressor should know that retaliation is inevitable and they will be annihilated. And we as the victims of an aggression, we as martyrs would go to paradise while they will simply perish because they won’t even have time to repent their sins.” — Original (Russian) — Да, в этой ситуации мы как бы ждем, что в отношении нас кто-то применит ядерное оружие, сами ничего не делаем. Ну да. Но тогда агрессор все равно должен знать, что возмездие неизбежно, что он будет уничтожен. А мы – жертвы агрессии, и мы как мученики попадем в рай, а они просто сдохнут, потому что даже раскаяться не успеют. — English: English transcript of the plenary session published by the Valdai Club, reproducing the Kremlin English text — October 18, 2018 · Speech · Sochi, Russia Verified (secondary source) — Putin was explaining Russia's nuclear doctrine to the Valdai audience. Just before this passage he said the doctrine provides for a counter strike once an attack on Russia is detected and has no provision for a pre-emptive strike. — Plenary session of the 15th annual meeting of the Valdai International Discussion Club, Sochi, 18 October 2018 [Source](https://valdaiclub.com/events/articles/vladimir-putin-meets-with-valdai-discussion-club)
14. > “We respect Ukrainians' desire to see their country free, safe and prosperous. I am confident that true sovereignty of Ukraine is possible only in partnership with Russia.” — Original (Russian) — К стремлению украинцев видеть своё государство свободным, безопасным, благополучным. Убеждён, что подлинная суверенность Украины возможна именно в партнёрстве с Россией. — English: Official English text published on kremlin.ru (Presidential Press and Information Office), as reproduced on Wikisource — July 12, 2021 · Article Verified (secondary source) — Putin published the article on kremlin.ru in Russian, English and Ukrainian. It sets out his account of the shared history of Russians and Ukrainians. — Article by Vladimir Putin, "On the Historical Unity of Russians and Ukrainians", 12 July 2021 (en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/66181) [Source](https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/On_the_Historical_Unity_of_Russians_and_Ukrainians)
15. > “So, I will start with the fact that modern Ukraine was entirely created by Russia or, to be more precise, by Bolshevik, Communist Russia. This process started practically right after the 1917 revolution, and Lenin and his associates did it in a way that was extremely harsh on Russia -- by separating, severing what is historically Russian land.” — Original (Russian) — Итак, начну с того, что современная Украина целиком и полностью была создана Россией, точнее, большевистской, коммунистической Россией. Этот процесс начался практически сразу после революции 1917 года, причём Ленин и его соратники делали это весьма грубым по отношению к самой России способом — за счёт отделения, отторжения от неё части её собственных исторических территорий. — English: English text 'as translated from the Russian language by the Kremlin', as reproduced by American Rhetoric — February 21, 2022 · Broadcast · Moscow, Kremlin Verified (secondary source) — Putin gave the televised address shortly before signing decrees recognising the Donetsk and Lugansk 'people's republics'. He prefaced it with an account of the history of Ukraine, from which this passage is taken. — Address by the President of the Russian Federation, 21 February 2022 (en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/67828) [Source](https://www.americanrhetoric.com/speeches/vladimirputindonbassandukraine.htm)
16. **Content note:** Announcement of a military invasion. The words are shown as they were said or written. [Why](https://propagandaarchive.org/about/#as-it-was) — > “The purpose of this operation is to protect people who, for eight years now, have been facing humiliation and genocide perpetrated by the Kiev regime. To this end, we will seek to demilitarise and denazify Ukraine, as well as bring to trial those who perpetrated numerous bloody crimes against civilians, including against citizens of the Russian Federation.” — Original (Russian) — Её цель – защита людей, которые на протяжении восьми лет подвергаются издевательствам, геноциду со стороны киевского режима. И для этого мы будем стремиться к демилитаризации и денацификации Украины, а также преданию суду тех, кто совершил многочисленные кровавые преступления против мирных жителей, в том числе и граждан Российской Федерации. — English: Official English text published on kremlin.ru (Presidential Press and Information Office), as reproduced on Wikisource — February 24, 2022 · Broadcast · Moscow, Kremlin Verified (secondary source) — Putin announced a 'special military operation' in a televised address in the early hours of 24 February 2022, as Russian forces began a full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The address came three days after he recognised the Donetsk and Lugansk 'people's republics'. — Address by the President of the Russian Federation, 24 February 2022 (en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/67843) [Source](https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Address_by_the_President_of_the_Russian_Federation_on_conducting_a_special_military_operation)
17. **Content note:** Warning of defeat and 'ominous consequences' for any aggressor, following a reference to nuclear forces. The words are shown as they were said or written. [Why](https://propagandaarchive.org/about/#as-it-was) — > “In this context, there should be no doubt for anyone that any potential aggressor will face defeat and ominous consequences should it directly attack our country.” — Original (Russian) — В этой связи ни у кого не должно быть сомнений в том, что прямое нападение на нашу страну приведёт к разгрому и ужасным последствиям для любого потенциального агрессора. — English: Official English text published on kremlin.ru (Presidential Press and Information Office), as reproduced on Wikisource — February 24, 2022 · Broadcast · Moscow, Kremlin Verified (secondary source) — This passage follows Putin's remark that Russia remains one of the most powerful nuclear states, and comes in the same address that announced the invasion of Ukraine. — Address by the President of the Russian Federation, 24 February 2022 (en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/67843) [Source](https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Address_by_the_President_of_the_Russian_Federation_on_conducting_a_special_military_operation)
18. **Content note:** Calls the Ukrainian government a gang of drug addicts and neo-Nazis. The words are shown as they were said or written. [Why](https://propagandaarchive.org/about/#as-it-was) — > “Once again, I am appealing to the military of the armed forces of Ukraine. Do not allow neo-Nazis and Banderites to use your children, wives and elders as a live shield. Take power into your own hands. It seems it will be easier for us to come to terms with you than with this gang of drug addicts and neo-Nazis that have settled in Kiev and that have taken the Ukrainian people hostage.” — Original (Russian) — Ещё раз обращаюсь к военнослужащим вооружённых сил Украины. Не позволяйте неонацистам и бандеровцам использовать ваших детей, ваших жён и стариков в качестве живого щита. Берите власть в свои руки. Похоже, нам с вами будет легче договориться, чем с этой шайкой наркоманов и неонацистов, которая засела в Киеве и взяла в заложники весь украинский народ. — English: Official English text, Presidential Executive Office (en.kremlin.ru) — February 25, 2022 · Speech · Moscow, Kremlin (video meeting) — Opening remarks to a Security Council meeting on the second day of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, addressed directly to Ukraine's armed forces. — Meeting with permanent members of the Security Council, 25 February 2022, kremlin.ru transcript (events/president/news/67851) [Source](https://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/67851)
19. > “I would like to emphasise once again that our men and officers are fighting in Ukraine for Russia, for a peaceful life for the citizens of Donbass, and for the denazification and demilitarisation of Ukraine, so that no anti-Russia, which the West has been creating for years right on our border, can threaten us, including with nuclear weapons, as has recently become the case.” — Original (Russian) — Вновь подчеркну, сейчас на украинской территории наши солдаты и офицеры сражаются за Россию, за мирную жизнь для граждан Донбасса, за денацификацию и демилитаризацию Украины, чтобы никакая «антироссия», годами создаваемая Западом прямо у наших границ, нам не угрожала, в том числе и ядерным оружием, как это было в последнее время. — English: Official English text, Presidential Executive Office (en.kremlin.ru) — March 3, 2022 · Speech · Moscow, Kremlin (video meeting) — Remarks at a Security Council meeting a week into Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, stating the war aims as the Kremlin framed them. — Meeting with permanent members of the Security Council, 3 March 2022, kremlin.ru transcript (events/security-council/67903) [Source](https://en.kremlin.ru/events/security-council/67903)
20. **Content note:** Threat of nuclear use. The words are shown as they were said or written. [Why](https://propagandaarchive.org/about/#as-it-was) — > “I would like to remind those who make such statements regarding Russia that our country has different types of weapons as well, and some of them are more modern than the weapons NATO countries have. In the event of a threat to the territorial integrity of our country and to defend Russia and our people, we will certainly make use of all weapon systems available to us. This is not a bluff.” — Original (Russian) — Тем, кто позволяет себе такие заявления в отношении России, хочу напомнить, что наша страна также располагает различными средствами поражения, а по отдельным компонентам – и более современными, чем у стран НАТО. И при угрозе территориальной целостности нашей страны, для защиты России и нашего народа мы, безусловно, используем все имеющиеся в нашем распоряжении средства. Это не блеф. — English: Official English text published on kremlin.ru (Presidential Press and Information Office), as reproduced on Wikisource — September 21, 2022 · Broadcast · Moscow, Kremlin Verified (secondary source) — Putin announced a partial mobilisation of reservists in a televised address. This passage responds to statements he attributed to NATO officials about the possible use of nuclear weapons against Russia. — Address by the President of the Russian Federation announcing partial mobilisation, 21 September 2022 (kremlin.ru/events/president/news/69390) [Source](https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Address_on_partial_mobilisation_in_the_Russian_Federation)
21. > “We will defend our land with all the forces and resources we have, and we will do everything we can to ensure the safety of our people. This is the great liberating mission of our nation.” — Original (Russian) — Мы будем защищать нашу землю всеми имеющимися у нас силами и средствами и сделаем всё, чтобы обеспечить безопасную жизнь наших людей. В этом великая освободительная миссия нашего народа. — English: Official English text published on kremlin.ru (Presidential Press and Information Office), as reproduced on Wikisource — September 30, 2022 · Speech · Moscow, Kremlin Verified (secondary source) — Putin spoke before the Federal Assembly and officials of the Russian-installed administrations on the day Russia signed treaties of annexation covering four regions of Ukraine, days after referendums held under Russian occupation. — Speech at the signing ceremony of the treaties on the accession of the Donetsk and Lugansk people's republics and the Zaporozhye and Kherson regions to the Russian Federation, Moscow, 30 September 2022 (kremlin.ru/events/president/news/69465) [Source](https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Speech_on_the_treaties_of_accession_of_the_Donetsk_and_Lugansk_People%E2%80%99s_Republics_and_Zaporozhye_and_Kherson_regions_to_the_Russian_Federation)
22. **Content note:** Calls Western social policy 'pure Satanism'. The words are shown as they were said or written. [Why](https://propagandaarchive.org/about/#as-it-was) — > “Let me repeat that the dictatorship of the Western elites targets all societies, including the citizens of Western countries themselves. This is a challenge to all. This complete renunciation of what it means to be human, the overthrow of faith and traditional values, and the suppression of freedom are coming to resemble a “religion in reverse” – pure Satanism.” — Original (Russian) — Повторю, диктатура западных элит направлена против всех обществ, в том числе и народов самих западных стран. Это вызов всем. Такое полное отрицание человека, ниспровержение веры и традиционных ценностей, подавление свободы приобретает черты «религии наоборот» — откровенного сатанизма. — English: Official English text published on kremlin.ru (Presidential Press and Information Office), as reproduced on Wikisource — September 30, 2022 · Speech · Moscow, Kremlin Verified (secondary source) — This passage comes in a part of the speech criticising Western governments and social policies, delivered at the annexation ceremony. — Speech at the signing ceremony of the treaties on the accession of the Donetsk and Lugansk people's republics and the Zaporozhye and Kherson regions to the Russian Federation, Moscow, 30 September 2022 (kremlin.ru/events/president/news/69465) [Source](https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Speech_on_the_treaties_of_accession_of_the_Donetsk_and_Lugansk_People%E2%80%99s_Republics_and_Zaporozhye_and_Kherson_regions_to_the_Russian_Federation)
23. > “I have said many times that I consider the Russian and Ukrainian peoples to be one people. In this sense, all of Ukraine is ours” — Original (Russian) — Я уже много раз говорил, что считаю русский и украинский народ одним народом на самом деле. В этом смысле вся Украина наша. — English: English wording as quoted by the Atlantic Council (UkraineAlert), "'All of Ukraine is ours': Putin's Russian imperialism is now on full display" (June 2025) — June 20, 2025 · Speech · St Petersburg, Russia Verified (secondary source) — Putin was answering a question during the plenary session of the economic forum about Ukrainian regions that Russia considers its own. — Plenary session of the St Petersburg International Economic Forum, 20 June 2025; Russian stenogram as published by Rossiyskaya Gazeta [Source](https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/blogs/ukrainealert/all-of-ukraine-is-ours-putins-russian-imperialism-is-now-on-full-display/)

## Often attributed, not verified

These words circulate under Vladimir Putin’s name but could not be traced to a source. They are listed so readers can check them, not as Vladimir Putin’s words.

- > “Anyone who does not regret the passing of the Soviet Union has no heart. Anyone who wants it back has no brain.” — Unverifiable Usually said to come from: Widely attributed to Putin in quote collections and press; sources variously point to a May 2005 ARD/ZDF interview or a Guardian profile of 23 December 2007. — Not found in a primary transcript in this session. The wording varies from source to source ('the passing', 'the collapse', 'the break-up'), and the Guardian and television-interview attributions could not be traced to a transcript. In his 25 April 2005 address to the Federal Assembly he did call the Soviet collapse a major geopolitical catastrophe of the century (see putin-2005-04-25-federal-assembly-soviet-collapse); that is a different statement.
- > “Why would we want a world without Russia?” — Unverifiable Usually said to come from: Often placed at the 2018 Valdai Club session in Sochi. — Not present in the Valdai Club's full English transcript of the 18 October 2018 plenary session (searched for 'world without Russia'). A news summary dated March 2018 carries a similar line from a Putin interview; that interview text was not read, so no quote is published.