TOP SECRET
Transcript: POTUS – Putin Phone Conference, April 14, 2014 Page 2 of 6
. . . repect the sovereignty of Ukraine. Moldavia and Estonia must also remain free and independent, without interference from Russia. It is for that reason that U.S. armed forces will participate in military exercises, along with troops of our NATO allies, in those nations, as well as Poland, over the next few months. These activities will be purely defensive in nature, designed to reassure our allies in the region. We have no desire to be provocative or to appear belligerent. We are hopeful that further sanctions will not be necessary, as they ultimately have a negative economic effect not only on Russia but on Europe and ultimately the United States as well.
Putin: Mr. President, permit me to bring up a related topic. Speaking purely hypothetically, in your elections next November, what would be the result if the names and pertinent information of, let us say, one hundred thousand so-called Obamacare enrollees appeared on the Internet? I speak purely hypothetically, of course.
POTUS: Wha wha, why do you ask? How could that happen? What does that have to do with Ukraine?
Putin: Nothing directly. And, again, I speak purely hypothetically. But I am very reliably informed that the so-called Obamacare website did not have the best security arrangements, especially in the early days when it was still under construction. Even that big store chain you have in America, how do you say, Target was more secure. And look what happened to it.
POTUS: Yes, but we have much better security now. We have had no big problems. Now back to the sovereignty of Ukraine. Let me assure you that we have no aggressive designs against your country, and we appreciate your concern for the rights and welfare of Russian speakers in Eastern Ukraine. But according to protocols of international law, as defined by the United Nations and other international bodies, nations are not permitted to interfere with the political or constitutional affairs of a separate sovereign nation. We and our allies fully expect these rules to be followed.
Putin: Again, purely hypothetically, let me select randomly from a pile of papers here on my desk. [4.7 second pause, muffled conversation, papers ruffling] Here’s one: Doris Johnson, age 45. She is divorced. Identification number, how you say, Social Security Number 156 24 1038. Household income in 2012, $48,527. She has hypertension and takes Benicar daily. Moderate concussion from auto accident in 2010. Occasional headaches. Two children. James, age 16, has asthma and William age 12. They live at 28 Webster Street, Youngstown Ohio. They have a Bronze plan with $3,000 deductible, and pay $655 per month after subsidies for their health insurance.
POTUS: Let me assure you again, Mr. President, that we have no desire to threaten Russia’s legitimate interests in Eastern Ukraine . . . .
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