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Quotes-Putin on paper tigers and Trump

Vladimir Putin, the Russian president, spoke at the Valdai Discussion Club in Sochi, a forum for Russia experts. He spoke in Russian and his words were translated by.

Here are some main quotes.

TOMAHAWK MISSILES - UKRAINE

It is impossible to use Tomahawks in the absence of direct involvement by American military personnel. This would be a qualitatively and completely new level of escalation in both the relations between Russia, and the United States.

On TRUMP's description of Russia as a paper tigger:

"A paper tiger. What happens next? "Go and deal with the paper tiger."

"Well, if we're fighting with the whole NATO bloc, we're moving, advancing and we feel confident and we're a paper Tiger, then what exactly is NATO?"

HYSTERIA AMONG EUROPE’S LEADERS

"The ruling class of Europe continues to stir up hysteria. The war with Russia is almost at our doorstep. This mantra is repeated over and over. ... Can't they believe that Russia will attack NATO, as they say? ... "They're either dishonest or incredibly incompetent, if they believe that nonsense. It's impossible to accept this."

ON RUSSIA'S RESPONSE TO EUROPEAN MILITARY BUILDUP:

"We cannot ignore the situation." For our own safety, we have no right to ignore what is happening. Our defence and safety, I repeat. We are therefore closely monitoring the militarization of Europe."

"Are they just empty words or is it the time to countermeasure? Germany, for instance, claims that the German Army should be the strongest in Europe. Good. "We listen to what the speaker is saying and understand it."

I don't think anyone doubts that these measures will force Russia into action, and Russia will have countermeasures in no time. I think that (to put it mildly) the response to such threats will be very convincing.

On the Ukraine Conflict:

"We thank all countries who have been sincere in their efforts to find a solution to this problem over the past few years." This includes our partners, the founding members in BRICS, Belarus, and, by the way North Korea. In the Arab World as a group, primarily the UAE along with many other countries.

"Unfortunately, the fighting has not stopped, but responsibility does not lie with the majority of countries, but rather with a small minority in Europe who are constantly escalating conflict."

RELATIVE TO RELATIONS WITH UNITED STATES

We all know that our countries have many differences. We have different views on global issues. It is not unusual for major powers to clash. "In fact, it is important to determine how these differences can be resolved and whether they can be settled peacefully."

The current White House administration expresses its desires and interests directly,... and bluntly - but without unnecessary hypocrisy."

"We can see that the U.S. government is primarily guided by its own interest, as they understand them. This is, I think, a rational strategy. If you'll excuse me, Russia reserves the right to follow its own national interests. "One of them, incidentally is the restoration to full-fledged relationships with the U.S.

'FIGHTING" BETWEEN RUSSIA & NATO

The Ukrainian military is being supported by a center in Europe that supports all of the NATO countries' actions. It transmits space intelligence, provides weapons, and offers training.

On the Course of the Fight:

"Our troops are confidently moving forward along virtually the entire line-of-contact."

"We control nearly 100% of the Luhansk Region." The enemy controls just over 19% of the Donetsk Region, and 24-25% in Zaporizhzhia, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia. "And everywhere, Russian troops maintain the strategic lead with confidence."

On Trump's Gaza Plan:

"In general, Russia will support it." As long as it achieves the ultimate goal that we have discussed. Russia has always... advocated for the creation of two state - Israel and a Palestinian State. This, I believe, is the only way to find a permanent solution to the Palestinian/Israeli conflict."

US CALLS INDIA TO RENOUNCE RUSSIAN ENERGY

"If India refuses to accept our energy supply, it will suffer certain losses... Of course, I believe that the people of India will closely monitor any decisions made by political leaders and will never tolerate humiliation before anyone. "I know that Prime Minister Modi would never do such a thing."

On Alleged UKRAINIAN Strikes on ZAPORIZHZHIA Nuclear Plant:

"This is a very dangerous game. People on the other side need to understand that they have nuclear power plants operating on their side. What's to stop us from responding in kind? "Let them think about it."

ON CONTINUED EXPORTS OF URANIUM TO THE U.S.:

The United States is one, if no the largest state, that uses nuclear power plants. Russia is the second biggest supplier of uranium for the American market.

On Alaska Summit with TRUMP

"President Trump, I and my team discussed virtually nothing at the meeting. Not even our bilateral agenda." We discussed only the ways and possibilities to resolve the Ukrainian Crisis.

"Secondly, in some way, even if it was superficial, we talked about restoring Russian-American ties, which, not only are at an impasse but also at their lowest level ever, and that is a very serious issue."

On the French seizure of a Russian oil tanker:

"Well, I think it's piracy... A tanker has been seized without justification in international waters. They were looking for cargo - maybe drones or military equipment. "None of it was there nor could it have been."

RUSSIA’S ECONOMY

"We must strengthen our financial system." Two things are important. "First, we need to further strengthen macroeconomic stabilization and reduce inflation while still attempting to maintain positive growth rates."

"But we agreed at the end last year that we would sacrifice our record-breaking rates of growth in order to fight inflation. The central bank increased the key rate which has a significant impact on the economy.

(source: Reuters)