FULL PRESSER: "Level to the Ground", Putin Issues Stark Warning to NATO and 1st Reaction On Romania

[0:05] Good afternoon, you've been waiting quite a while, and a lot of things to discuss with [0:16] President Lukashenko. [0:17] I'm ready to take your questions, please. [0:22] The question is, I know that you had a busy schedule during this visit, and it was devoted [0:28] to the European Economic Union, but there are breaking news about the drone that entered [0:33] the territory of Romania, and the question is, why Europeans that are escalating the rhetoric [0:42] around this thing so much, why didn't they shut it down? [0:47] It might seem odd, but just before I entered this hole, I was reported, I was told that [0:53] something happened with our drone, allegedly. [0:59] If you could repeat what happened one more time, I would be very grateful, I'm not joking, [1:06] then I could comment this. [1:09] TASS, news agency, the question is, Europeans... [1:13] No, yes, I heard the question, but what the drone... [1:17] Why didn't they shut it down? [1:21] Can you hear me? [1:22] I don't even understand what you're talking about. [1:25] Someone told me just before I entered here, a drone entered the Romanian airspace. [1:30] No, I don't know. [1:31] What drone? [1:32] So please tell me, what's the information in the media now? [1:35] A drone hit a residential building in Romania. [1:41] And they say it's a Russian drone. [1:43] Who says that it's a Russian drone? [1:46] Many people. [1:47] Many people means no one. [1:49] Who names Ursula von der Leyen? [1:56] Well, she didn't go to Romania. [1:59] She didn't investigate. [2:01] She didn't look at the remnants of the drone. [2:04] No one can say where a flying vehicle came from before they ran a forensic analysis. [2:15] Because some drones, Ukrainian drones, enter Finnish airspace, Polish airspace, the Baltic [2:20] countries' airspace, Ukrainian drones do that. [2:24] And the first reaction was exactly the same, like they have now in Romania. [2:31] Russians are hitting us, they were saying. [2:33] And then they found out that these drones had nothing to do with Russia. [2:42] Russia had nothing to do with these drones. [2:43] They came from Ukraine, they strayed off under the influence of jammers or for whatever other [2:50] reason, maybe some technical error or deficiency. [2:56] And I believe that the same is happening here, has happened here. [3:02] And until we receive some objective data, like the data that we handed over to the representatives [3:12] of the American administration, the data and the debris of the drone that hid the residents [3:20] of the Russian president. [3:21] So we gave the findings. [3:25] If we receive these data from them, and then we can share our estimates of what happened. [3:31] Don Veronitsky, Channel 1. [3:34] If you could sum up your state visit to Kazakhstan and the second question, a lot of documents [3:41] were assigned, including the one on the construction of a nuclear power plan here and on the state [3:47] export loan that is going to be issued by Russia to fund the construction. [3:51] Is it profitable for Russia to pay our own money to build a plan here? [3:57] Because Kazakhstan seems to be a wealthy country. [4:02] Well, conditions of the funding are, in this case, are similar with all the other transactions [4:11] and deals and operations in all the other regions. [4:13] It's a standard international practice. [4:15] If someone is doing something, then as a rule, this country earmarks some funds in European [4:24] countries and in our countries. [4:26] We now have these loans that are earmarked to support domestic export. [4:31] In this case, export of commodities and services. [4:36] So it is profitable for us. [4:38] What I mean is we are not giving this money away. [4:43] We are loaning this money and we are going to get this money back to our budget because [4:50] there is an interest rate, which is normally the case, and the interest rate is quite acceptable. [4:58] It's in line with all the international standards. [5:02] And then we have our plants and factories receiving the orders to manufacture something. [5:08] And then in the future, we also service, maintain the plant. [5:16] We provide spare parts and fuel and so on. [5:21] So it is profitable for Russia also because we have long-term cooperation with Kazakhstan in [5:28] the field of raw uranium and it is profitable for us because Kazakhstan is one of the countries [5:36] with one of the largest uranium deposits. [5:41] And it is profitable for Kazakhstan as well because logistics, everything is located nearby. [5:48] We are partners in the field of nuclear energy. [5:56] So it is also profitable to make progress in this regard. [6:01] So we are not just supplying fuel and also receiving the technology. [6:09] It is important for all the partners of ours, including Kazakhstan. [6:12] We are not just building something using the state loan. [6:16] We are establishing an industry. [6:18] We are training personnel. [6:21] We are attracting local employees to work there. [6:27] I don't remember how many of them will be in Kazakhstan, but at least 25% of all the works [6:34] that are to happen during the construction works. [6:38] So that's something that our partners are in charge of. [6:44] We supply fuel. [6:46] We dispose of the spent fuel and we discussed how we can think together and supply the fuel [7:03] to this plant together because 20% of the energy consumption in Kazakhstan will be satisfied [7:17] with this nuclear cover, with this nuclear plant. [7:20] So it is profitable for the both sides. [7:24] We've been drafting this agreement for a long time. [7:28] We've been looking for a compromise. [7:30] So a lot of work was done to make it profitable for both Russia and Kazakhstan. [7:38] And there was a question about summing up the state visit. [7:42] We are happy with this visit because we drew a line because we discussed what was accomplished. [7:54] We have a record high trade turnover and we have good growth trends. [8:01] So we discussed the priorities in our cooperation and all the priority areas. [8:08] And we discussed all the areas of our cooperation. [8:16] And leading role here is with the humanitarian cooperation because maintaining good neighborly [8:25] relations, basically familiar relations between our states, between our nationals is of utmost [8:32] importance, because it creates the long-term important level of trust between the two states. [8:42] As you know, we've launched a new project in the field of education on education for the gifted [8:55] children on the basis of the Syria's program. [8:59] And we are grateful to the president of Kazakhstan for the attention he's paying to develop Russian [9:06] language in all the schools, in all the educational institutions. [9:12] There are classes in Russian and they welcome this. [9:18] And the president of Kazakhstan has a vast experience in foreign affairs, including the United Nations. [9:27] And he understands the importance, the significance of being fluent in foreign languages. [9:36] So in our relations with Kazakhstan for a long time, we were one state and in the Soviet Union, [9:45] Russian language was a language of interethnic communication. [9:49] And he believes it's important. [9:50] He supports it. [9:52] And Russian is an official language of the UN. [9:55] And it is very important considering the growing trade turnover, you know, it may sound primitive, [10:03] but the more economic ties we have, the more the language is in demand. [10:12] So to develop the economy, it is also very important to support Russian language. [10:19] And the president of Kazakhstan, he doesn't just understand this, he is making practical steps to [10:27] support it. So I believe all the goals that we have set, we have accomplished. [10:33] And we are happy with the outcome of this joint effort is best here. [10:39] The question is Armenia was widely discussed both during the summit and on the sidelines. [10:47] So what are many gains from being part of the Eurasian Economic Union? [10:51] And what does it stand to lose if it withdraws from the organization? [10:57] Well, I expected this question because that's something that we discussed during the Nero forum [11:03] meeting. And I told, we discussed that with the Deputy Prime Minister of the Armenian government. [11:12] I said that the only way to speak about that is being open about this, being honest and sincere about [11:21] this. And I will tell you what we discussed during that meeting. [11:25] I will give you the topics of this conversation item by item. And our Armenian counterpart, the Deputy [11:36] Prime Minister said that that's right, we need to speak about this openly, honestly. But before I answer [11:44] your question, I will go item by item answering the question that you asked. And that's how we did it [11:58] during the Nero forum meeting. It's not a secret. Everyone should know this. But before I say this, [12:06] I would like to note one very important thing. Russian and Armenian people, they are connected with [12:15] the ties of friendship. And we enjoyed special relations for centuries. Our relations are truly [12:23] special relations between Russia and Armenia, between Russian people and Armenian people. [12:28] I told Prime Minister Pashanian, he can confirm this. I told him, everything that's good for Armenia, [12:40] for Armenians will be acceptable for Russians. Do whatever you deem necessary, if it's in the [12:47] interests of the Armenian people. You are the leader, you are responsible for making these decisions. So [12:54] it will be however you say it is. It is not going to ruin the humanitarian ties between us. It is not [13:02] going to ruin the political ties between us. We are speaking about merely economic things, everything [13:10] that could be calculated. We need to. It needs to be calculated. It needs to be looked into. Then the [13:17] decision should be made. Like I said, the crisis in Ukraine started with the attempt to bring Ukraine [13:28] to the EU. And we were not against this. We simply said that, for example, veto-sanitary norms are [13:35] different. It means the access to the markets in Russia or back in the Soviet Union. It means also the [13:43] Eurasian Economic Union countries. The veto-sanitary norms are much stricter than they have in Europe. [13:50] For example, we have restrictions on the GMO products. Our people don't want to eat this kind of produce, [13:58] this kind of food. Well, they don't. And we need to take this into consideration because there is no [14:06] research on the consequences for people when you eat this kind of food. And then there are technical [14:14] regulations which are absolutely different. For example, some things it's possible to sell in [14:20] Russia, others not. With, for example, steel works and so on and so forth. So a lot of things they cannot [14:30] exist together. It doesn't mean that we are against something. We are for it, but it will require time [14:36] and it will require money as well, funds as well, because to ensure some standards in Europe that are [14:47] more advanced than the ones that we have. We need to invest money in the production facilities to ensure [14:54] that we can follow these standards on our side. That's why to combine two things tomorrow is practically [15:06] impossible. That's why we will have to. If we speak about the cooperation in the economy, about the [15:18] integration of the economy, we will have to put it on hold. So you were asking about what do they have to [15:27] gain? So it's something that is up for discussion. But I can explain our perspective. And I'm not only [15:35] speaking about Russia, but the rest of the Eurasian Economic Union member states. So what's the advantage [15:41] of being part of this union or entering this union, joining this union? It's an access to a large protected [15:47] market across the entire Eurasian Economic Union space, Russia and other states, tariff-free trade, [15:58] common technical and phytosanitary norms and regulations, simplified logistics. We do not have common [16:06] borders. But moving the commodities and the goods and the services, they are being done in the most [16:18] profitable way. The low energy prices 600 euro in Europe and 150 something. Well, you cannot compare [16:33] these two numbers. I'm just going item by item. Because everyone is speaking about energy now. It is [16:41] important, but this is not the only advantage you get. Investment. In accordance with the EU bank data, [16:57] 4.9 billion dollars of investment were made into Armenia and 86 percent of those came from Russia. [17:06] Russia. And we are not taking into consideration here the capitals that originated from Russia. They are not [17:18] coming directly from Russia, but representatives of the Russian business structures, they are investing [17:23] into the Armenian economy. But, well, 86 percent, actually the number is much bigger. And the European [17:34] partners promised to invest 2.5 billion euro. Who is going to invest? When are they going to invest? [17:42] And still, 2.5 is less than 4.9. Now, free trade agreements, because they will have to withdraw from [17:56] this as well. What will be the outcome? Number one, full-scale custom control and custom fees, [18:08] they will be brought back. They will need to take this into consideration. They will need to calculate. [18:12] Secondly, the documents in the fetal sanitary oversight field, they will not be mutually recognized [18:22] anymore. So, we will not recognize their norms anymore. So, we will have to go back to that. Maybe [18:30] we will recognize them later, after some time. Maybe not. We will need to look at these commodities. [18:36] Where is it going? Spain, France, Italy, Portugal, where? We will need to think about that. And [18:48] reduction of mutual trade, of tourism, of other things. [18:56] Then, the laborers from Armenia. So, different norms will be applied to them. What does it mean? It [19:06] means that they will need to buy patent to work in Russia, to get access to the insurance system in [19:12] Russia. They will need to be living in Russia for five years. So, it will be a totally different story [19:19] for them. So, everyone needs to understand this and to speak about this openly and clearly and honestly. [19:27] We will need to resume issue permits for the Armenian transport operators. That's yet another field, [19:47] separate field. And then, we will have to raise tariffs for the railway shipping because currently, [19:55] they are enjoying the domestic Russian domestic tariffs. We will have to raise them to the level [20:00] of the CIS. Well, and of course, raising the energy prices as well. There is not going to be any [20:10] preferences in this regard. The preliminary estimates that the experts are speaking about, [20:19] they will lose 14 percent of the GDP from this. Is that a lot or not a lot is a different matter to [20:26] discuss. But still, all of these things need to be considered. For example, if we look at the three [20:36] last years from since 2023, the Russia's GDP was 4.1 percent growth, 4.9 and last year 1 percent. So, [20:47] 10.3 percent growth over the last three years. EA, EU 0.4, 1.1, 1.5. And now, look at the Eurasian [20:58] economy in 2023, 4.3. 24, 5 percent growth and 2025, 1.7. So, 11.4 percent over the last three years. [21:12] So, one organization grew by 11.4 and another organization grew by 3 percent. I know that in [21:24] Europe it's more difficult. So, it's a different organization. It's a high-tech economy and their [21:31] level is higher probably. But these are the trends that I'm speaking about. So, we are growing faster [21:41] and we would like to ask our Armenian partners, our friends. And Prime Minister Pashinan said it himself, [21:48] that he plans and he believes it would be the right thing to hold the referendum regarding what's the [21:56] place of Armenia, Eurasian Economic Union or European Union. And we would like to ask them to do this [22:03] as soon as possible. A question from Zvezda TV channel. If I may, let's talk about the main [22:19] theme of your visit. You took part in the Eurasian Economic Forum yesterday. And the main topic there [22:28] is betting on AI amid the global digital race. Well, some say it's just hype. But if we skip the hype, [22:38] what is Russia's place in the global race? And you also spoke about some projects in Moscow, [22:46] the introduction of artificial intelligence. And what projects do we have that we could share with [22:53] our partners, with the EU members, including Armenia, while it's still there, in order to ensure [23:00] technological sovereignty and leadership, especially as we're subjected to sanctions pressure from the [23:07] West. Well, I gave the example of Moscow ambulances. It's just something that came to my head. [23:19] And it's not the only example of using artificial intelligence in Moscow healthcare. [23:25] I think you might be aware of X-ray and other kinds of diagnostics imaging, where you collect all of the [23:41] images from around Moscow. You give them to a narrow specialist for analysis. It cuts down time. [23:51] It raises the quality of analysis. We've also made progress on autonomous vehicles, [24:06] our e-commerce platforms, such as Ozan and Wildberries. They're very successful in that. They're also [24:18] establishing their own financial institutions. And we also have successes in science and education, [24:29] using AI tools quite successfully. It's very important for maintaining technological sovereignty. [24:35] I think Russia is one of three countries who have an actual chance at developing a sovereign artificial [24:45] intelligence, who are actively doing that. You need to have your own technologies. And our Chinese friends are [24:55] giving the fundamentals to everyone who is willing to take the basic technologies that you can use to [25:07] develop your own solutions. And that is very good. [25:09] Some of our companies say it openly. Yes, we took some of those technologies. Yes, we agreed with the [25:26] developer. And others said that they're creating their own technologies from the ground up. It requires [25:33] significant investments, of course. SMUR is currently doing that. And of course, if you have a sovereign [25:44] platform, you will be able to use these kind of technologies in defense, in public governance, [25:56] and in other critical fields. We're one of the few countries who are actively doing that. Of course, it would [26:05] be much easier and more effective if we could join forces with our partners. And I'm, of course, talking about [26:14] EAEU partners, first of all. And it's something we discussed during our informal conversations. [26:20] Various formats were proposed that it's attracting significant interests. We have historically had [26:30] very good relations and high level of trust. We are willing to share the know-how with our friends and [26:40] partners so that EAEU countries can create their own national platforms. And we are fully prepared for [26:54] cooperation in this field, including in critical areas. As I said yesterday, you need more than just [27:04] investments for AI. You need a lot of energy, too. Google is now planning to build its platforms with an [27:16] output of one gigawatt each, I think. We have our nuclear generation capabilities. We have hydropower, [27:26] including in Siberia, in the north, where the climate is cold. You have lots of natural cooling. So we have a [27:36] clear competitive advantage. And there are many beneficial factors that we can enjoy. And we're [27:44] ready to use that. We're ready to share with our EAEU partners and our friends and partners are interested. [27:50] Thank you. A question from Rea Novosti. Yes, please. We listened to the conclusions from [28:02] other participants. But what is your opinion? Are EAEU countries still interested in deepening the [28:08] integration? How is the current situation influencing this? And today is the anniversary of the EAEU treaty. [28:22] Do you think the format will change? And will the integration level change? What is the future? [28:30] Well, I think the interest is maintained from everyone's side. The case of Armenia has just been [28:39] explained. I told you like I told it to my colleagues during the narrow format meetings. I [28:50] held nothing back. I just used the same notes that I used during the discussion with them. So there is no [28:56] secret about this. So the interest from all of our partners is sustained. It's becoming even stronger [29:09] because the countries who are active and who are participating in actual work, they are seeing [29:21] positive results, they are seeing the positive outcomes and they are interested in continuing this positive [29:30] trend. As to how the future will look, now, of course, we will all like to see a high-tech future [29:41] and not limited to supplying each other with the food or fuel, which is, of course, important for [29:48] food and energy security. But we would love to see high-tech and value-added products. [29:58] And this is one of the reasons why the Kazakhstan Chairmanship has prioritized artificial intelligence [30:06] during this meeting. It's one of the key pillars of future development. I hope this will materialize. [30:11] And if everything goes well, we will meet in December in St. Petersburg. [30:23] Can I ask a question, please? [30:25] Yes, please. You can decide among yourselves. [30:31] Okay, a question from Rossiskaya Gazeta. A question about St. Petersburg. [30:37] Next week, the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, another important event, will be [30:43] launched. And every year you give a keynote address. And this year you will likely have one. [30:53] So maybe you will like to share the topics that you are likely to touch up on in your keynote. [31:02] And do you expect any of your EAU colleagues to attend? [31:09] Well, as to the part of your question about the substantive content of the keynote, [31:19] well, I don't think I will tell you, because otherwise you won't come to listen to it yourself. [31:24] But as to our partners, to our EAU partners, they come every year. This is [31:36] something that we are also expecting this year. We expect to see large delegations. [31:41] And an EAU observer state will be the main guest of the forum. [31:52] A question from Mir TV channel. [32:01] You mentioned saying that if a tiger thrives in a country, anyone will thrive. [32:07] Kazakhstan and Russia exchange share the tigers. What significance does this have? [32:16] Well, we apprise a nature and we are actively working to protect nature. [32:26] Now, of course, we didn't personally hunt down the tigers so that their population declined, [32:34] but we lived as part of a single state, so we bear common responsibility. And it is now something we [32:41] can do together. We can replenish their population and help the environment and other aspects. [32:49] I will give you an example from a country outside the EU. Tajikistan gave us snow leopards during its [32:58] time. And now we have a population, including in the Caucasus. There are many other examples. [33:06] I also mentioned various humanitarian and cultural fields. It's something where a cooperation is also [33:15] blowing. A question from Comersant. Mr. President, on the May 9 press conference, you said that the Ukraine [33:30] conflict seems to be coming to an end. Could you please elaborate what you meant? Because [33:38] ever since you said that, everyone has been racking their heads trying to understand that. And despite the [33:50] Starobelsk strike and despite the promised retaliatory strikes on Kyiv, do you think [34:03] do you think we should expect an end? And where could that happen? Well, as to the timelines, I think [34:11] both you and your colleagues realize that naming specific timeframes while the combat is ongoing would [34:22] be a mistake. It's not something that is done and it's not something I'm going to do now. You've mentioned [34:29] the Starobelsk strikes and the attempts to hit Russian territory and in other places. Well, since the West [34:39] is supplying them with drones, it's made so much easier. They can just take another one out and press the [34:48] button. But it means that we must strengthen our systems and it's something that we will continue to [34:54] do. But as to my statement that this is coming to an end, I made that statement based on a thorough analysis of [35:07] the situation on the ground. Our troops are advancing every single day in every direction. And going back to [35:21] Starobelsk, I watch foreign TV channels from time to time to see what kind of a media landscape [35:31] there is and what the international viewers have to watch, it's a disgrace. They're openly deceiving their citizens. [35:46] When we made the strike in response to their atrocity against children, we struck the Kyiv region [35:55] and the Kyiv strike was covered from early morning to late at night. Russia's an aggressor. They caused so much [36:09] destruction. You, as the media, I would say, should be ashamed for your colleagues. They didn't mention the tragedy in [36:19] Starobelsk even once, the fact that children died, that it was a targeted attack against our children. [36:28] They pretended that this never happened. So, are they informing the public? No. They're making fools out of [36:38] their audience. So, they are showing the drones that the Ukrainian army uses and say that they're making huge successes. [36:53] And they say that those drones are expensive, hinting that the citizens must pay. So, is it a public interest [37:02] broadcast? No, I wouldn't say that. Now, going back to the situation on the battlefield, I think what we're [37:14] seeing right now allows us to say that the situation is coming to an end. Can we please? A question from [37:24] Russia on TV. European politicians and leaders say that they're preparing for war with Russia every day, [37:33] even naming dates. And so, the logical question is, are we preparing for a war they're trying to wage [37:42] against us? Well, as to European politicians saying that they're preparing for a war with Russia, [37:47] that is just nonsense. They're pretending that this is because Russia is harboring aggressive plans [37:58] against Western states. But that is just crude lies. As Joseph Goebbels said, the more incredible a lie, [38:10] the easier it is for people to believe. And this is the standard Western politicians and media are using [38:18] in their daily operations. Russia has never had any aggressive intentions against European countries. [38:25] And the tragedy that is currently unfolding in Ukraine is caused by their actions, their policies, [38:35] because they caused the state coup in 2014 that led to Russia having to defend the people of Crimea [38:45] and then provide assistance to the Donetsk and Lugansk people's republics that we were reluctant to [38:57] recognize for years. But then, when we realized that the Kyiv regime will not live up to its agreements, [39:04] we had to recognize the republics and then provide assistance through military means because we took [39:14] the responsibility in accordance with the interstate agreement to provide this kind of support. And this [39:23] treaty was passed by the Russian parliament in a completely transparent manner. We did that step by [39:31] step by step in full compliance with law. And they caused this tragedy, and that now they're trying to [39:40] shift the blame, saying that Russia is the aggressor. Now it is just their policy. And first they deceived us, [39:50] saying that they are not going to expand to the east, not a step to the east. But now we have what we see. [40:02] Russia has never threatened European countries. Everything they're doing now is just to prolong the conflict [40:11] and to justify the immense costs for their budgets and to continue milking the taxpayers. [40:23] Could you give comments on the meeting with President Lukashenko? You talked for one hour and a half. [40:28] So maybe you could share with us the topics, the things that you discussed. Probably President Lukashenko [40:37] shared his conversation with President Macron, and maybe you discussed who could be part of the dialogue [40:45] between Europe and Russia. From their side, yes, President Lukashenko said about his conversation with [40:56] the President of France, but I don't think it would be proper to discuss it now because that was a phone [41:01] conversation between the two Presidents. And President Lukashenko did that because President of France [41:10] wanted him to do that. But I'm not sure if I have the right to disclose the things that they've discussed. [41:17] I'm sorry. Anastasia Volodyna, RT. My question is, recently in the intelligence report that was published, [41:30] said that Ukraine sent its drone operators to Latvia, and so they are planning to launch strikes against [41:42] Russia from there. If we register, if we see that these strikes are taking place, what will happen? [41:51] Well, every place from where the direct military threat is emanated towards Russia, it's a lawful, legal target [42:01] for us. How do you estimate the state of the negotiations, considering what happened in Starobelsk [42:10] and the fact that President Trump is busy with other things? Well, it is put on hold, as they say. [42:18] We maintain certain contacts, I'm not going to hide it, but there are no negotiations per se. Even though we [42:27] are open for talks, we have never refused to have talks. We were not the ones to stop them. We [42:34] are ready to go on with them. President Lukashenko has just voiced a very painful thing for many [42:45] Russian car drivers. After the new fees were introduced, the automobile price doubled. Was that [42:57] our objective, firstly? And did you discuss it during your meeting with him? No, when we met in the [43:07] afternoon, we did not discuss this, but we've had a lot of discussions around this. Our actions to [43:16] protect our domestic manufacturers, we do that, but we have never restricted and we do not restrict [43:26] any supplies from the EU countries, especially supplies from Belarus, part of the Union State. Our actions are [43:38] aimed at ensuring transparency of this process and to make sure that the markets of our partners is not [43:50] used as a transit point to supply, well, in this case of automobiles from third countries. This is the idea, [44:00] not to make it look like they are just assembling these cars and then they supply, they sell them right [44:09] away to the Russian market. It's a very delicate work and there are ministries and agencies that are [44:16] involved, they are calculating the percentage of, so can we describe or define this commodity as [44:29] manufactured in Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan, Armenia, while they are still part of the Union and Belarus, [44:36] so they are calculated the amount, the percentage of the commodity that was produced locally, [44:45] domestically and then we are being open about this. We say there is a threat that just the final [44:53] assembly is carried out in your countries and it's becoming just a channel, a transit channel to supply [45:00] commodities from abroad. We are doing this openly, honestly, transparently. Yes, there are some [45:09] mutual disputes that could arise from this, but that's just a working matter. [45:13] If Armenia starts postponing the referendum, well, you know what they say about the what-ifs. [45:26] Well, for how long can they sit on the two chairs? Well, ask those who are trying to sit on the two [45:32] chairs. Kaliningrad. I wanted to ask about Kaliningrad to follow up what the colleagues said. Recently, we hear [45:42] more and more often the statements from the Baltic states regarding NATO attacking Kaliningrad, and [45:50] recently the Foreign Minister of Lithuania said that the Baltic countries have means to raise Russian air [45:57] defense and the Kaliningrad region to the ground. Do you think could such an attack happen? What will the [46:05] response be? What did you say they have means to raise the air defense bases to the ground? Well, [46:11] the Russian Federation possesses every mean to raise to the ground everyone and everything that will [46:18] attempt to do so. In the European Union, they are still choosing a candidate to become an individual to [46:30] negotiate with Russia on behalf of Brussels. You voiced your candidate, the former Chancellor of [46:37] Germany Schroeder, and in Europe they ignored these words of yours. No, well, they reacted to that, [46:44] there was a reaction, but they were not encouraged by this. No, there was some positive reaction, [46:52] negative reaction, of course, too, but there was positive reaction as well. So what's the question? [46:57] We are discussing other candidates. Several names are floated around. Alexander Stoop, President of [47:04] Finland, former Chancellor of Italy Mario Draghi, President of Germany Frank-Walter Steinmeier, [47:12] and the head of the European Council Antonio Costa, who is the most preferable candidate for Moscow among [47:19] these people. I think, I believe the European Union should assign their own negotiator. We cannot appoint a [47:29] negotiator for them. And when I talked about Schroeder, I meant him as a person who could be trusted, [47:38] you know, because a lot of labels were put on him that he is a friend of mine and so on. Yes, [47:44] we are friends. I'm not hiding this. Is this a bad thing? But, well, that's why there is trust. And despite [47:56] our friendship, he has always, and I would like to emphasize this, I would like you to hear this, [48:02] and people in Germany hear this, he always put the interests of the German people and German state [48:11] on the first place. When we started the Nord Stream construction, the pipeline construction, [48:19] was that a bad thing for the German state, for the German economy? And now when they refuse to buy our [48:29] energy, is this better for them? Now they are trying to receive oil from Kazakhstan, but it's going [48:36] through our territory. I'm not going to list all the things that they did. They are trying to restore [48:44] something. And Schroeder did what he did with the best interest of the German people in mind. And we [48:54] did not agree about everything. We had disputes, we had disagreements, we had misunderstandings, [48:59] but we were always looking for a compromise. And we have always found one. This is the person you can [49:05] negotiate with. But we are not the ones who choose. I've just mentioned the person, someone like Schroeder [49:13] could become a candidate. I said, it's not up to us to find a negotiator. But we will have to meet [49:24] with an individual they choose or not, then that will be up to us. And we'll see because they are not [49:32] suggesting anyone. When they suggest someone, we'll see. Do we want to meet with them or not? Can we trust [49:42] them or not? Because we held negotiations in Minsk, we signed the Minsk Accords, and now we learned that [49:51] they were signed just to gain time to arm Ukraine, but not to resolve all the issues via peaceful means, [50:01] something that we were always striving for. Thank you. That's enough. Thank you. Goodbye. Thank you.