Viktor Petrov quotes from House of Cards

Viktor Petrov

So, this is what he does. He leaves the seduction to you. Isn't there a word for that in English...?

Claire Underwood

For what?

Viktor Petrov

Pimping. He's pimping you out.

Claire Underwood

How charming you are.

Viktor Petrov

Thank you. And you make a much better First Lady than ambassador, from what my people tell me. [uncomfortable pause] Only teasing. More wine for the ambassador, please.

Frank Underwood

Tell me, do you kiss the wife of every president?

Viktor Petrov

Not every president's wife looks like yours.

Frank Underwood

I'd push him down the stairs and light his broken body on fire just to watch it burn, if it wouldn't start a world war.

Frank Underwood

There won't be a revolution because you freed one man.

Viktor Petrov

Revolutions sneak up on you, one small step at a time. I can't ignore the smallest step.

Viktor Petrov

You want to kill me now. I can see it. I read an amusing article where a Civil War re-enactor said your great-great grandfather killed a Yankee soldier with his bare hands. When I was in Afghanistan, we were ambushed by the mujahideen. [lifts his shirt to reveal scars] And the man who shot me here and here stabbed me when his rifle jammed. I pulled the knife away and slit his throat.

Frank Underwood

Yes, I know. You've told that story dozens of times to the press.

Viktor Petrov

The part I don't tell is that after I slit his throat, I kept going. I strapped his head to a donkey so it would carry it back to his village. I killed a man with my bare hands. It wasn't make believe. Do you think you're capable? I think you are. You're ruthless, like me. Sometimes we must be ruthless with those who hate us, and sometimes we must be ruthless with those we love.

Viktor Petrov

You should talk to your husband.

Claire Underwood

I'm not leaving here until we have an agreement.

Viktor Petrov

But you're an amateur, Claire. You fly in, you puff up your chest and you pretend to play president. But what would you be without your husband? Nothing. A pretty face. So, yes, play the president if you like. Go. Tell the Chinese they get nothing on the Pacific. You think you can do that, Mrs. Underwood?

Claire Underwood

Your people are hurting. Six months at most, they're gonna be marching on Red Square. I'm done letting you have your dignity. The truth is you're a beggar on your knees, and you will take whatever we shove down your throat. Viktor. Take the deal. Get your dignity back.