Leader of the Communist Party of the Russian Federation, Gennady Zyuganov:

The Anglo-Saxons and NATO have declared a war of total destruction against the Russian world—a war against a civilization with a thousand-year history that, time and again, has shielded the much-praised Europe from invasion and total destruction, from the time of Napoleon to Hitler.

We not only stood our ground, but demonstrated the most important thing that ensures victory: unity.

Putin:

Over the past three to four years, unlike other developed economies, Russia has maintained fourth place in the world by purchasing power parity, behind only China, the United States, and India.

We are fourth in the world and first in Europe. In terms of economic growth, we are also ahead of the European Union.

Of course, we would like to see even more growth, but there are risks—particularly the risk of rising inflation and its consequences.

Putin:

This is a historic stage—difficult and fateful—for Russia. That is obvious.

Today, this is understood not only by the deputies of the State Duma, members of the Russian government, the presidential administration, and regional leaders. Every ordinary citizen of the Russian Federation understands it as well.

We are going through a period of struggle, and members of parliament represent their voters—that is, they represent the people of Russia.

Putin:

Let me share a little secret—I hope my colleague won't mind.

During the awards ceremony, one of the recipients whispered to me, "We will win—we just need to be bolder."

The question is: how much bolder? Here, just as in the economy, there are risks, and the price of those risks is losses on the battlefield on our side.

Therefore, we will proceed carefully, but persistently and consistently, working toward the goals set before our country.

And we will achieve them.

BREAKING: Saudi Defense Ministry says its air defenses intercepted and destroyed several drones over the past hours that tried to hit oil facilities in the Eastern Province and Riyadh.

Ministry spokesman Maj. Gen. Turki al-Maliki said the drones were launched from Iraqi territory by Iran-backed militias, and that the Kingdom reserves the right to respond at the time and place of its choosing.

Germany's Chancellor Merz:

The recent attack in Berlin was an attack on our freedom. It was an attack on our free and democratic society. It was an attack on our freedom and our liberal values.

We will do everything to protect and defend the freedom, openness, and liberal character of our society.

Retired Gen. Wesley Clark urged a full blockade of Iran instead of a ceasefire, arguing the U.S. should isolate the country until the IRGC is forced back to negotiations.

He said air and naval power could largely neutralize Iran's threat around the Strait of Hormuz without ground troops, though it would take time.

Germany's Chancellor Merz:

We must answer how it was possible that a man who had been classified as dangerous here in Berlin was able to approach the Christopher Street Day celebration on Saturday evening without being stopped and carry out this attack.

The target of this attack was not chosen at random.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha:

Iran’s threats are unjustified and groundless. The regime in Teheran is a direct accomplice to Russian aggression against Ukraine, fuelling Moscow’s criminal war with weapons that have killed Ukrainians since 2022.

Iran has no standing to pretend to be a victim, let alone justify its threats with absurd references to the UN Charter.

With its statements, Iran also tries to shift attention away from Russia’s terror against civilian shipping in the Black Sea, which is threatening global food security. But it will not succeed.

Russia’s attacks on freedom of navigation will be at the spotlight of today’s emergency UN Security Council meeting and we expect strong responses by the international community.

Germany's Chancellor Merz:

I must say that, to this day, I still do not understand—though perhaps there are reasons I do not yet know—how a man who was under constant surveillance could approach the Christopher Street Day event unnoticed.

My question is: could this have been prevented? That is not a rhetorical question; it is a serious one.

And if the current legal framework is not sufficient to prevent such a situation, then we must consider changing the law.

I simply cannot understand that I can locate my mobile phone anywhere in the world—I can even see where my iPad is—but our security authorities are supposedly unable, or technically unable, to determine at any given moment where dangerous individuals of this kind are.

Germany's Chancellor Merz:

We are thinking of and praying for the victim who lost their life, for their loved ones, and for those who were injured.

They had all gathered on Saturday at a celebration of openness, diversity, and freedom.

People celebrating peacefully were attacked by an Islamist who wanted to destroy these values.

Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi:

Around the world, governments are stepping forward and working hand in hand with the private sector to solve major national challenges. That has become the new global direction.

If we fail to embrace this great transformation—if we postpone investing in the future—Japan's technological strength and industrial foundation will weaken, and we will lose our opportunity to grow.

A nation that refuses to take on new challenges has no future.

Politics that only protects the past can never create hope.

We must break free from decades of excessive fiscal restraint and invest boldly at home. If we do not act now, it will soon be too late.

Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir:

The solution in Gaza is not to bring in a peace council. There isn't even a basis for discussing any kind of dialogue.

We need to crush Hamas completely and encourage emigration from Gaza.

Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir:

In my vision, I see neighborhoods in Gaza—neighborhoods for Israeli police officers, Israeli soldiers, and Israeli military officers.

I also see Israeli communities and settlements in Gaza.

If we're not there, Hamas will be there.

Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi on China:

China is an important neighboring country. Since I became Prime Minister, my policy has consistently been to comprehensively promote our strategic mutually beneficial relationship with China and to build a constructive and stable bilateral relationship.

Precisely because there are concerns and challenges between Japan and China, it is essential that we engage in dialogue at every level and on every possible occasion to deepen mutual understanding.

We will continue communicating closely with the Chinese side while responding calmly and appropriately from the standpoint of Japan's national interests.

Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir:

I criticize Netanyahu. He has done great things, but Hamas has not been defeated.

That promise was not fulfilled.

Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir:

Do you know that the terrorists wet their beds at night because they're afraid?

They're afraid of the crazy Ben-Gvir. They're afraid of what I've done.

They're afraid we'll bring crocodiles into the prisons.

Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir:

President Donald Trump is a businessman, but he is very naïve when it comes to Iran.

There is no point in negotiations with the Iranians. You have to speak through the gun sight.

Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir:

I would gladly carry out a terrorist's execution.

Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir:

We should encourage emigration from both Gaza and the West Bank.

My mother told me that when she was a child in the Irgun, people said it was very messianic to want to establish a Jewish state. Yet they established a Jewish state.

The ideas you call messianic are our strength. We returned here after 2,000 years of exile.

Some people may call that messianic, but I believe it's the right thing to do—to build a Jewish state.

Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi:

Approval ratings are ultimately the judgment of the public, so it is not appropriate for me to comment on opinion polls or speculate about the reasons behind them.

Rather than being swayed by the numbers, I will continue to work steadily, sincerely, and humbly for the sake of the nation and its people.

As I mentioned earlier, many of the supplementary budget measures approved at the end of last year are still being implemented.

Japan currently has the lowest inflation rate in the G7 and the highest growth in real wages among the G7. That is something I want to communicate clearly.