Anyone who doesn’t regret the passing of the Soviet Union has no heart. Anyone who wants it restored has no brains.
Meaning of the quote
The quote means that if you don't feel sad about the end of the Soviet Union, you have no compassion. But if you want the Soviet Union to come back, you're not thinking clearly. The Soviet Union was a communist country that controlled many other countries, and it had a lot of problems. Most people think it's better that the Soviet Union no longer exists, even if they feel nostalgic for it sometimes.
About Vladimir Putin
Vladimir Putin is a Russian politician and former intelligence officer who has been the president of Russia since 1999, with a brief stint as prime minister. He has overseen economic growth, military conflicts, and a transformation of the Russian political system into an authoritarian dictatorship marked by corruption and human rights violations.
More quotes from Vladimir Putin
History proves that all dictatorships, all authoritarian forms of government are transient. Only democratic systems are not transient. Whatever the shortcomings, mankind has not devised anything superior.
President of Russia (1999-2008, 2012-present)
Russia is a part of European culture. Therefore, it is with difficulty that I imagine NATO as an enemy.
President of Russia (1999-2008, 2012-present)
The path towards a free society has not been simple. There are tragic and glorious pages in our history.
President of Russia (1999-2008, 2012-present)
To pay more is the easy way. In fact, the solution possibilities to the problem are many.
President of Russia (1999-2008, 2012-present)
Russia will not soon become, if it ever becomes, a second copy of the United States or England – where liberal value have deep historic roots.
President of Russia (1999-2008, 2012-present)
Our aims are absolutely clear: They are a high living standard in the country and a secure, free and comfortable life.
President of Russia (1999-2008, 2012-present)
Terrorism has once again shown it is prepared deliberately to stop at nothing in creating human victims. An end must be put to this. As never before, it is vital to unite forces of the entire world community against terror.
President of Russia (1999-2008, 2012-present)
I think the American people should express their preferences, and we’ll accept their choice.
President of Russia (1999-2008, 2012-present)
Anyone who doesn’t regret the passing of the Soviet Union has no heart. Anyone who wants it restored has no brains.
President of Russia (1999-2008, 2012-present)
The democratic choice Russian people made in the early 90’s is final.
President of Russia (1999-2008, 2012-present)
We don’t need a weakened government but a strong government that would take responsibility for the rights of the individual and care for the society as a whole.
President of Russia (1999-2008, 2012-present)
Russia needs a strong state power and must have it. But I am not calling for totalitarianism.
President of Russia (1999-2008, 2012-present)
We shall fight against them, throw them in prisons and destroy them.
President of Russia (1999-2008, 2012-present)
No references to the need to fight terror can be an argument for restricting human rights.
President of Russia (1999-2008, 2012-present)
Nobody should pin their hopes on a miracle.
President of Russia (1999-2008, 2012-present)
Nobody and nothing will stop Russia on the road to strengthening democracy and ensuring human rights and freedoms.
President of Russia (1999-2008, 2012-present)
You must obey the law, always, not only when they grab you by your special place.
President of Russia (1999-2008, 2012-present)
The strengthening of our statehood is, at times, deliberately interpreted as authoritarianism.
President of Russia (1999-2008, 2012-present)