Vyacheslav Molotov quotes

Vyacheslav Molotov was a Soviet politician and diplomat, best known as a close associate of Joseph Stalin and for his role in World War II. As Foreign Minister, Molotov was a key architect of the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact and major Soviet policies during the era. He played a significant role in shaping Soviet international relations and remained influential in government affairs for decades. Here are 21 of his quotes:

There is no alternative to class struggle.

Vyacheslav Molotov

As long as we live in a system of states, and as long as the roots of fascism and imperialist aggression have not finally been extirpated, our vigilance in regard to possible new violators of peace should not slacken, and concern for the strengthening of cooperation between the peace-loving powers will continue to be our most important duty.

Vyacheslav Molotov

Our scientists all the more occupy advanced positions in the development of world science. By the example of their successes in the field of atomic energy, our scientists and technicians have vividly shown how much the increased might of the Soviet state and the further growth of its international authority depends on their efforts and practical successes.

Vyacheslav Molotov

Only a fool would attack us.

Vyacheslav Molotov

Who can think that this eviction of Germans was undertaken only as a temporary experiment? Those who adopted the decision on the eviction of the Germans from these territories, and who understood that Poles from other Polish districts would at once move into these territories, cannot suggest after a while to carry out reverse measures. The very idea of involving millions of people in such experiments is unbelievable, quite apart from the cruelty of it, both towards the Poles and the Germans themselves.

Vyacheslav Molotov

Life has improved, and now as never before the doors to a happy and cultured life for all the peoples of our Union stand wide open. We are already enjoying the first fruits of our victory and we see that an unparalleled rise in the standard of living and culture of all the peoples of the Soviet Union awaits us. And in spite of all this, we have not yet seen the last of people who in their blind hatred of the new world are planning the seizure and dismemberment of the Soviet Union. Well, what shall we say to them? It is true that we appeared in the world without the permission of these gentlemen, and undoubtedly against their wishes.... This means that the time has come when the old world must make way for the new.

Vyacheslav Molotov

The enemy shall be defeated. Victory will be ours.

Vyacheslav Molotov

We cannot lose Poland. If this line is crossed, they will grab us, too.

Vyacheslav Molotov

An atmosphere of extreme tension reigned during this period; it was necessary to act without mercy. I think that it was justified. If Tukhachevsky, Yakir, Rykov and Zinoviev had started up their opposition in wartime, there would have been an extremely difficult struggle; the number of victims would have been colossal. Colossal. The two sides would have been condemned to disaster. They had links that went right up to Hitler. That far. Trotsky had similar links, without doubt. Hitler was an adventurist, as was Trotsky, they had traits in common. And the rightists, Bukharin and Rykov, had links with them. And, of course, many of the military leaders.

Vyacheslav Molotov

Life has improved, and now as never before the doors to a happy and cultured life for all the peoples of our Union stand wide open.

Vyacheslav Molotov

Our entire people must now stand solid and united as never before.

Vyacheslav Molotov

Someone helped us a lot with the atomic bomb.

Vyacheslav Molotov

This is not the first time that our people have had to deal with an attack of an arrogant foe.

Vyacheslav Molotov

The Soviet Government deems it its sacred duty to extend the hand of assistance to its brother Ukrainians and White Russians inhabiting Poland.

Vyacheslav Molotov

Germany, which has lately united 80 million Germans, has submitted certain neighboring countries to her supremacy and gained military strength in many aspects, and thus has become, as clearly can be seen, a dangerous rival to principal imperialistic powers in Europe - England and France.

Vyacheslav Molotov

One blow from the German army and another from the Soviet army put an end to this ugly product of Versailles.

Vyacheslav Molotov

Germany, which has lately united 80 million Germans, has submitted certain neighboring countries to her supremacy and gained military strength in many aspects, and thus has become, as clearly can be seen, a dangerous rival to principal imperialistic powers in Europe - England and France. That is why they declared war on Germany on a pretext of fulfilling the obligations given to Poland. It is now clearer than ever, how remote the real aims of the cabinets in these countries were from the interests of defending the now disintegrated Poland or Czechoslovakia.

Vyacheslav Molotov

[W]e've done so much that even if we are smashed, everything will have been worth it. If not today, then tomorrow.

Vyacheslav Molotov