Vladimir Putin
Lately, I’ve been getting around five hours of sleep every night. Too little.
Andrey Vandenko
The same goes for me, too, you know.
Vladimir Putin
Also, I played hockey for two days in a row. I overdid it somewhat.
Andrey Vandenko
Really?
Vladimir Putin
Yes. I lose up to two kilos a game. It’s a very energy-intensive sport.
Andrey Vandenko
And who are your partners?
Vladimir Putin
Chiefly, Federal Guard Service staffers. All of them are well-built guys, and they’re all masters of martial arts.
Andrey Vandenko
Have they played hockey before or learned to play afterwards?
Vladimir Putin
I've just learned...
Andrey Vandenko
No, I meant them.
Vladimir Putin
Some had played, and others learned later. They also kept me company learning the basics of Alpine skiing. And something else. On just one occasion, they did not go with me.
Andrey Vandenko
While skiing? Why?
Vladimir Putin
Because I went there by helicopter. The chopper descended and flew low, so we first dropped the skis and then jumped out of there. It had no chance to land.
Andrey Vandenko
Where was that?
Vladimir Putin
In the Caucasus, in Sochi.
Andrey Vandenko
At what altitude?
Vladimir Putin
A little above 2,000 meters.
Andrey Vandenko
Freeride?
Vladimir Putin
Sorry?
Andrey Vandenko
Freeride?
Vladimir Putin
Yes, freeride. It was bad, because…
Andrey Vandenko
…deep snow?
Vladimir Putin
No, had there been a deep covering of snow, it would've been better. The top layer melted in the daytime. Towards the evening, a solid shell formed on the surface.
Andrey Vandenko
Oh, icing.
Vladimir Putin
I can’t remember the term for it…
Andrey Vandenko
Powder snow?
Vladimir Putin
Pulverschnee in German …
Andrey Vandenko
So powder snow?
Vladimir Putin
Right you are, powder snow. It's really good for skiing! But due to that crust of ice my legs sank in ankle-deep. It was really difficult.
Andrey Vandenko
Physically difficult?
Vladimir Putin
I had to leap out. Not slide, but leap out and then pull my legs out.
Andrey Vandenko
Do you ski on expert slopes?
Vladimir Putin
No. I used to do it before, but not anymore.
Andrey Vandenko
When you were young, who did you want to be like?
Vladimir Putin
Like Sorge. This is a different story.
Andrey Vandenko
At what age?
Vladimir Putin
In high school.
Andrey Vandenko
What about your children?
Vladimir Putin
They are employed in the field of science.
Andrey Vandenko
I don't mean that. I'm talking about who was an authority figure for them?
Vladimir Putin
I hope that I was.
Andrey Vandenko
What about your grandchildren?
Vladimir Putin
They are too small. As for one of my grandchildren, my daughter started to instruct him on how to live his life.
Andrey Vandenko
Which one?
Vladimir Putin
It doesn't matter.
Andrey Vandenko
Ha ha...
Vladimir Putin
You shouldn't have snorted.
Andrey Vandenko
I didn’t snort. It was merely a slight cough.
Vladimir Putin
Exactly. That’s nothing to ‘ahem’ at. You don't live my life and you don't understand security issues. It’s just that when someone is far from these things, they simply don't notice them. Anyway, when my daughter started to teach one of my grandsons he asked: "Why should I do as you do"? She answered: "Because I am older". He said: "No, grandpa Vova is older". So, for them at least so far – in any case so far, I am such an authority.
Andrey Vandenko
Have you changed a lot personally?
Vladimir Putin
Me?
Andrey Vandenko
You.
Vladimir Putin
Well, you know, my friends from school, and from university – I have fewer friends from school now – but my university friends say that I have not changed much. They are in a better position to judge than I am. And I would like to not lose, you know, any human qualities. Pardon me, but the thing is that when you occupy this position, sometimes it feels like you cease to be a human being and become nothing more than a mere function.
Andrey Vandenko
Really?
Vladimir Putin
Yes. But I think that I still manage to preserve my human qualities.
Andrey Vandenko
But you were aware that once you reach the point of no return, there was no turning back, it would be impossible, let’s say, to go to a pub with your friends on a Friday evening without any secret service agents.
Vladimir Putin
Lately, I have been trying to give up beer, it makes me put on weight. Well, of course, going out…
Andrey Vandenko
What I was trying to say is that this is a one-way ticket.
Vladimir Putin
Yes. Clearly, there are limitations, undoubtedly there are. But there is something that makes up for these limitations. And the best reward is the emotional gratification you get from the way people trust you. It is very important.
Andrey Vandenko
But these limitations are the reason why the topic of the family... you get annoyed every time someone tries to come close to this topic.
Vladimir Putin
Well, you know, when I run for office and the elections lead to a certain result, people vote for me, not for my family. And for the hopes they have about me holding this office that I am occupying now. I know...
Andrey Vandenko
You think it's improper or what?
Vladimir Putin
I know that Western political culture implies family members have to be in the limelight. I believe that we are not in a situation where such theatrics would be appropriate. Everything we do must be done in a mature way. That’s the first reason, and the second one is that there are security concerns. We must not forget about those. They are always on my mind.
Andrey Vandenko
Okay. How many grandchildren do you have? Well, of course I am not asking you to show me their photographs for later publication.
Vladimir Putin
But it is very easy to count them. But what for? I have already said that I have grandchildren, I am very happy, they are very good and sweet. I really enjoy spending time with them.
Andrey Vandenko
That’s it?
Vladimir Putin
Yes. They are sweet little children. Well, for everybody, this feeling comes naturally, and I am very grateful that I get to experience it.
Andrey Vandenko
What personal losses have you experienced over the past 20 years?
Vladimir Putin
Personal losses? My parents died, right at the beginning of this journey. That was my greatest loss.
Andrey Vandenko
Do you believe in destiny? In what the Arabs call maktub – if it is meant to be, it will be.
Vladimir Putin
I believe that it is not that simple. There are many theories, many beliefs on this topic. I believe in destiny, but I believe that we can influence it.
Andrey Vandenko
Can or can’t?
Vladimir Putin
Can.
Andrey Vandenko
Can.
Vladimir Putin
Yes.
Andrey Vandenko
Have you managed to?
Vladimir Putin
I believe that if...
Andrey Vandenko
Please be specific.
Vladimir Putin
Well, no, I won’t be specific. It helps a lot to have confidence in yourself, in your abilities, and, most importantly, in doing the right thing – that helps. That can change your fate.