An Interview With Russian President Medvedev

Russian President Dmitri Medvedev during the SPIEGEL interview at his official residence in Moscow: "The fall of the Wall united us again." Justin Jin

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Russian President Dmitry Medvedev talks to SPIEGEL about how the fall of the Berlin Wall affected Russia, his controversial relationship to Vladmir Putin and possible sanctions against Iran.

SPIEGEL: Mr. President, you are commemorating the 20th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall with other world leaders in Berlin. Where were you on Nov. 9, 1989?

Dmitry Medvedev: I don't remember, but I still recall very precisely how suddenly our lives changed. I was a teaching assistant at the University of St. Petersburg at the time, and I realized that this development would affect not only the Germans, but all of Europe and, ultimately, also the destiny of our country. The Scorpions' hit "Wind of Change" became an anthem of the times. The Berlin Wall was a symbol of the division of the continent, and the fall of the Wall united us again. Some of our hopes from back then have been fulfilled, others have not.

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My Comment: This is an excellent interview, and a must read.