— Speaking about our relations with the Western states you mentioned their attitude. I'd like to speak about that attitude. Our Armed Forces have changed in recent years. We see it at the Army Games, in daily life, in Syria, and in other fields. Our partners must realize that it's difficult to negotiate with Russia from a position of strength. But some still dare. Some politicians insist on treating us like that. Recently, your German counterpart, Ursula von der Leyen, has also called for a tougher stance against Russia.
Sergey Shoigu, minister of defense: She said that Russia is to be approached from a position of strength. Well, if we're talking specifically about Germany I think that before saying something like that, one should review our history. After everything that Germany did to our country, I think that they don't need to speak on this matter for the next two hundred years. They need to step aside. I could say it in a rude manner, but I think you get the point. Regarding negotiating from a position of strength let's review our history once more. If you don't read yourself, ask your grandfathers what it means to talk with Russia from a position of strength. They could probably tell you a few stories. I'd like to stress it once again: we're open for dialogue and ready to cooperate in a mutually beneficial way. But you can't talk to us from a position of strength. And I hope that the time when they could talk to us like we're some kind of third-rate country has become a thing of the past.
