Russia doesn't prohibit homosexual relations, only propaganda among minors is banned - Putin

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 During his meeting with Sochi Olympics volunteers, Russian President Vladimir Putin said that Russia does not seek to hold anyone legally responsible for homosexual relations, as it is widely stipulated in the West. More specifically, he underlined that Russia does not arrest anyone for homosexual relations, and it is only the promotion of homosexuality and pedophilia among minors that is strictly banned.

"There's nothing we prohibit and we do not arrest anyone, we have no legal responsibility for such relationships in Russia, unlike other countries", Putin said at a meeting with the volunteers of the Sochi Olympics.

In particular, the President noted that in some US states homosexual relations are considered a crime.

"So you can feel relaxed during the Olympics, but leave the kids out of it, please," Putin added.

During the meeting, a volunteer also asked Russian President question about the uniform of the Sochi volunteers.

"How is it that we have a law banning the promotion of homosexuality but the uniform of Sochi volunteers is rainbow-coloured", the volunteer asked.

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Responding to the question, the President assured that this uniform was not created by himself and added once again that Russia does not have a ban on non-traditional forms of sexual orientation.

"We have a ban on the promotion of homosexuality and pedophilia among minors and I want to emphasize this," said Putin. "Having a particular relationship and promoting this kind of relationship are two absolutely different things", the President highlighted.

Last year Russia banned the propaganda of same-sex relations among minors and imposed penalties on offenders. Russia’s legislation prompted a number of Western politicians and public figures to call for a boycott of the Winter Olympic Games in Sochi.

The State Duma has assured that the rules of the "anti-gay law" will not be applied to participants and guests of the Olympic Games. Putin promised that participants of the Games will feel comfortable regardless of their nationality or sexual preference.

Russian President Putin names three qualities a politician needs

Russian President Vladimir Putin has named three qualities he believes a politician should have.

During a meeting between the president and volunteers taking part in the preparations for the Sochi Olympics, which are scheduled to be held in February, a Mongolian student of a Krasnodar Territory university asked Putin what three strong qualities a politician should have.

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"Honesty, professionalism, and - that probably applies more to healthcare workers - a feeling of compassion and involvement in the life of an ordinary citizen. It's extremely important," Putin said.

Sochi Olympics: Putin calls for volunteers to stock up with humor, patience and professionalism

Russian President Vladimir Putin has called for volunteers who will work at the Sochi Olympics to stock up with humor, patience, professionalism, and perseverance since these emotions form the very atmosphere of the Games.

"We very much hope that you, the volunteers, will create the unique atmosphere for the Games. In is on your ability to create this atmosphere that the mood of the Olympics guests and competitors will depend on. And this is one of the most important things in the Olympic program ", Putin said at a meeting with Sochi
volunteers.

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"Sports competitions are a celebration. Competitions are always associated with emotions and anxiety. You have to realize this and have a sense of humor to balance the sportsmen’s emotions so that the competitors have only positive emotions", said the president.

The Head of State also noted that it is not always an easy thing to do. Thus, he wished volunteers patience, professionalism and mental strength.

Russian President hopes to attend hockey, figure skating, skiing events at Sochi Olympics

Russian President Vladimir Putin says he would like to visit ice hockey games and competitions in figure skating and skiing during the Sochi Winter Olympics. "I would like to be able to attend events in my spare time, if my schedule permits. I would like to watch a hockey game. Everybody in our country loves figure skating, and so do I. I also like ski races", Putin said at the meeting with volunteers of the Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The President has also noted that he was interested in biathlon and mountain skiing. "This is what I know, what I love.” However, the President is still unsure of which events his tight schedule will allow him to attend, adding, “Well, I don't know yet what events I will be able to attend".

Putin would like to take part in judo competitions if he were Olympic athlete

If Russian President Vladimir Putin was an Olympic level athlete, he would have very much liked to take part in the Olympic competitions in judo, the President admitted while answering a question by a young female volunteer from China, who asked him to let his imagination run away with him on the matter.

"It is difficult to say which /sport/ I would be more successful in. But there is one sport that I have been engaged in almost all my life. This is, as it is well known - judo", Putin noted. However, he admitted that due to various reasons and circumstances he had not achieved Olympic heights in his career. "But, of course, if I had a chance, if I reached such a level, then I would have gladly performed specifically in the judo program", the head of state said.

He also added that there were other martial arts that he was interested in. In particular, he named wushu, which was the ancestor of other Eastern martial arts. "This is a very interesting sport, with great traditions and is very entertaining. However, unfortunately, I cannot boast of having succeeded in it, although it would be very interesting for me to watch and participate in it", the President concluded.