Go ahead, quote Putin: 8 quotes from his book of quotes, from his favourite drink to love life

Russian President Vladimir Putin speaking during his annual press conference in Moscow on Dec 17, 2015. PHOTO: AFP

After getting his own perfume last week, Russian President Vladimir Putin's "world-changing" words were immortalised in a 400-page book that draws from 19 of his speeches over the years.

A limited edition of the hardback, Words That Change The World, includes, snappy, Twitter-length quotes. It was reportedly presented to 1,000 Russian politicians and officials over Christmas. It goes on sale in Russian bookstores in late January for 800 roubles (S$15.40).

Here's the controversial leader's take on issues - from terrorism to his love life - in his own words:

1. "I drink kefir."

- On his preference for the yoghurt drink

A local brand of kefir. PHOTO: ST FILE

2. "We will chase terrorists everywhere. If in an airport, then in the airport. So if we find them in the toilet, excuse me, we'll waste them in the outhouse."

- On his strategy against terrorism

3. "They will most likely get ears of a dead donkey instead."

- His mafia-style remark (also a Russian expression meaning nothing) in 2005 about Latvia's claims for a chunk of territory in Russia's Pskov region

4. "Russia - we - are constantly being taught about democracy. But for some reason, those who teach us do not want to learn themselves."

- His thinly-veiled attack on the United States for its use of military force at a global security conference in Munich in 2007

5. "They beat us and we get stronger."

- On Russia's military strength

Mr Putin posing for a selfie with members of a youth military patriotic club. PHOTO: REUTERS

6. "We in Russia turn a sports competition into a really spectacular event and we are good at it."

- On Russia's bid to host the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi

7. "If gay people marry, Russians will stop having children."

- On legalising same-sex marriage during an impromptu debate in 2013 with British Prime Minister David Cameron

Mr Putin and Mr Cameron meeting on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Antalya on Nov 16, 2015. PHOTO: AFP

8. "Nobody should ever interfere in others' private lives. I have always reacted negatively to those who, with their snotty noses and erotic fantasies, prowl into others' lives."

- On reports in 2008 that claimed he had left his wife to secretly marry Olympic gymnast Alina Kabayeva

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