Dmitry Medvedev

“My main ambition is to be of use to my country and my people.”

“When I was a young student, I only listened to foreign music, mainly rock music and hard rock. Then I surprised myself by discovering ethnic music. Now I like to listen to music from different places, and in many situations. Even when you work, some ethnic music calms the nerves.”

“Those who play badminton well take decisions quickly.”

“I am president and do not have the right to give in to emotions. I have bad moods, very bad moods, but I never feel despair.”

“Legal reform in Russia is a must. And I keep track of it daily.”

“I believe in Father Frost. But not too deeply. But anyway, you know, I'm not one of those people who are able to tell the kids that Father Frost does not exist.”

“Being a prime minister is a very demanding job. And as long as I have the strength, I will continue to do this and be of benefit to my country.”

“I believe religion is important for every person.”

“Considering I'm a young president, I wouldn't like to make an evaluation of myself. It's not my job to do that.”

“I always say that modernization is not an abstract thing; it's a very specific task.”

“Let the people decide whom to vote for, who has more authority. And only people, only our citizens, are able to place the final emphasis, voting for this or that person or political force, or rejecting it. That's democracy.”

“When you borrow money, you should always think how you're going to pay it back.”

“Any politician is to a certain degree a mentor. They preach something.”

“Terrorism tramples upon any rights and freedoms and generates fear and hatred; it is an obstacle to efforts at improving our world.”

“Russia made a decisive contribution to the victory over Nazism. That's clear to every honest observer. So, therefore, in a certain manner, it is indeed part of the country's national psyche.”

“Business is always looking to avoid the toughest norms. But some do it in a civilized way, while others push it using uncivilized, brazen methods.”

“Freedom is a unique concept that everyone interprets differently.”

“I do like classical music, and soft rock, and jazz, which I never listened to when I was 15. Now I like it. The older you get, the more tolerant you get, right?”

“Work that mobilizes you 24 hours per day and makes you responsible to all of the people in the country is worth propelling yourself through jetlag and uncomfortable news for.”

“What's the point of elections if everything is already decided?”