In the hearts and minds of people, Crimea has always been, and remains, an inseparable part of Russia.. Don't believe those who try to frighten you with Russia, who scream that other regions will follow after Crimea. We do not want a partition of Ukraine. We do not need this.

You do understand, George, that Ukraine is not even a state. What is Ukraine? Part of its territories is Eastern Europe, but the greater part is a gift from us.

Let me tell you something - there is no need to fear Russia. The world has changed so drastically that people with some common sense cannot even imagine such a large-scale military conflict today. We have other things to think about, I assure you.

They are constantly trying to drive us into a corner because we have an independent position, because we maintain it and because we tell it like it is and don't engage in hypocrisy. But there is a limit to everything. And with Ukraine, our Western partners have crossed the line, playing the bear and acting irresponsibly and unprofessionally.

Without the United States, everything in the world would die.

They say, 'Trump said Putin's smart.' I mean, he's taking over a country for two dollars' worth of sanctions. I'd say that's pretty smart. He's taking over a country - really a vast, vast location, a great piece of land with a lot of people, and just walking right in.