One of the strengths, and weaknesses, of liberal democratic societies is giving the benefit of the doubt even to one's enemies

At the end of the day, it's all about money.

I think Russian people are learning that democracy is not an alien thing; it's not a western invention.

I think Russians today have a distorted picture of capitalism, liberal democracy and market economy.

I give the victim the benefit of the doubt when it comes to allegations of rape and sexual abuse. I choose to err on that side of caution. This does not mean I am unsympathetic to the wrongly accused, but if there are sides to be chosen, I am on the side of the victim.

I wouldn't overestimate the importance of my popularity in the country and abroad but at the end of the day it's not as important because I believe that my presence here could make some difference and it could encourage people.