Putin deplores collapse of USSR

BBC News ^ | April 25, 2005

[HAL9000]

Russia's President Vladimir Putin has described the collapse of the Soviet Union as "the greatest geopolitical catastrophe" of the 20th century.

Mr Putin's annual state of the nation address to parliament was broadcast live on Russian television.

He said the break-up of the USSR in 1991 was "a real drama" which left tens of millions of Russians outside the Russian Federation.

He also said Russia must develop as a "free and democratic" country.

But he stressed that Russia "will decide for itself the pace, terms and conditions of moving towards democracy".

"We are a free nation and our place in the modern world will be defined only by how successful and strong we are".

It was Mr Putin's second state of the nation address since being re-elected by a landslide in 2004.

[bra]

Putin is the typical Marxist. Communism will work if only the right people were in charge.

[Rick.Donaldson]

Once a COMMIE, Always A Commie.

[JasonC]

Well, now you do.

A drama, certainly. But the greatest geopolitical catastrophe of the 20th century was communism, followed by WW II, followed by WW I. Their present hanghail does not remotely rate.

[JasonC]

Of course. But the blow to their pride should be that all that effort was wasted on evil. Strength and pride and glory aren't bad things, but they can't be founded on the destruction of morality and the debasement of men. Right now, Putin is still exporting effort wasted on evil, by supporting the worst goons in the world all over the map, thinking it is strength and glory I suppose. It isn't, it is moral squalor. Goodness first, morality first, serving civilization and human dignity first. Then if all those other things are added, they are good things indeed. Without those moral underpinings, they are rot.

[sergey1973]

This nostalgia for the past for a political leader is self-destructive, dangerous and politically stupid. For Russia to be successfull it need to develop democratic institutions. Russia should offer willing Russians/Russian Speakers who live outside of Russian Federation, an opportunity to immigrate to Russia under favorable conditions. The millions of Russian Speakers living outside of Russian Federation could become invaluable asset to Russia that is experiencing very serious demographic problems.

[reagan_fanatic]

When will Pooty-Poot announce his candidacy for the democratic presidential nomination?

[RightWhale]

three directions for Russia's development.

First, the development of the state system.

Secondly, the strengthening of the legal system and the development of the political system, building a more effective justice system in the country.

Third, development of the individual and the civil society.

---

The second direction is really three, and the third is really two, both of which are of historical interest only. This indicates that he has no idea what he is to do.

[hgro]

All of this from a KGB operative. Lets get real Putin, you Commies flubbed your dub in trying to take over the civilized world and failed. GET OVER IT!!

[Grzegorz 246]

Puti should be eliminated before It is too late.

[Grzegorz 246]

ping !

[jb6]

Kissing your hero I see. You've got a real love affair with the old boy. I'm just surprised you didn't put a photo of your EU masters in there too.

[jb6]

I don't think he'd fit:

Flat 13% tax
Killed sales tax
24% corporate tax
abortions after 12 weeks banned
Christian education in schools and the military
Cut the size of government
Private property reform
Pro-Business policies
Nope, don't think that jives to well.

[jb6]

He also said Russia must develop as a "free and democratic" country. But he stressed that Russia "will decide for itself the pace, terms and conditions of moving towards democracy".

Funny how everyone missed this part.

[Brofholdonow]

Brilliant my friend

[Brofholdonow]

This is the exact mindset and agenda of the left in this country from the ACLU on down. And they are are attempting to manipulate our "living, breathing document" for their masterplan.

[Brofholdonow]

Somewhere in one of his many dacha's, Putin has a shrine to Stalin

[jb6]

The geographic/national breakup of the Soviet Union (note not the political collapse of the Communists which everyone wanted, just like everyone wanted a capitalist system) has meant wars and economic destitution to millions.

Wars: Russia (Chechnya)
Russia (internal N.Ossessians vs Ingushians)
Russia (Yeltsin slaughtering the Parliament)
Armenia-Azerbajan
Georgia (civil war, Abhazia, S.Ossessia)
Moldova (civil war)
Uzebekistan (civil war, Islamic invasion)
Tazikistan (islamic/narco invasion)
Kyrgyzstan (ceeded land to China along the border, brink of civil war presently)

There has been a very high human cost to the past 15 years, so to hear someone say that the entity's (again, this is always been divorced from the Communist party and the economy) collapse was a tragedy, needs to be taken in that context.

[jb6]

Well the Poles don't have anything to worry about, soon Russian oil and gas will no longer even pass through Poland, you'll be Russhis Frie. Of course those tariff revenues will be gone too, but it's a small price to pay. The EU will take care of you.

[Destro]

Many regret the fall of the USSR. For example: Hollywood movie villians have never been the same. The Olympics are now boring. End Time charlatans lost their chief anti-Christ candidate. James Bond movies never recovered.

[jb6]

I thought Prince Charles or the Pope were the anti-Christs. ;)