In order to preserve a balance, while we aren't planning to build a missile defence of our own, as it's very expensive and its efficiency is not quit… - Vladimir Putin

That is not the question. But if I wanted to, I could take Kyiv in two weeks.

Overall, it appears that nearly everywhere, in many regions of the world where the United States brought its law and order, this created bloody, non-healing wounds and the curse of international terrorism and extremism. I have only mentioned the most glaring but far from only examples of disregard for international law. This array includes promises not to expand NATO eastwards even by an inch. To reiterate: they have deceived us, or, to put it simply, they have played us... This type of con-artist behaviour is contrary not only to the principles of international relations but also and above all to the generally accepted norms of morality and ethics. Where is justice and truth here? Just lies and hypocrisy all around.

I am going to hang Saakashvili by the balls, [Mr Putin] said.
"Hang him?", asked Mr Sarkozy.
"Why not?", retorted Mr Putin. "The Americans hanged Saddam Hussein."
Mr Sarkozy replied: "Yes but do you want to end up like Bush?"
Briefly lost for words, the Russian leader agreed: "Ah, you have scored a point there."