Russian President Vladimir Putin is holding his annual question-and-answer conference in Moscow.

16:42
After three hours and 40 minutes the President wraps up his 14th Direct Line.


16:38
"This is another proof that the President is a decent guy. It takes heart to admit something like that" - in response to President Obama admitting his mistakes in Libya.

The President said that when Obama was a senator he used to criticize the gov`t for Iraq, then when he became the President he made the same mistakes in Libya.

It is good to own up to your mistakes but the bad thing is that the string of mistakes continues.

"The US wanted to follow the same course in Syria. But we managed to work this out with the US to avoid this through working hand in hand to foster a solution," he said.

16:31
Alena, a 1st year school pupil asked if it was possible for a woman to become a President in Russia?

The girl asked could a woman become the president of Russia? "Because daddy says only Putin can handle those Americans".

"America is not our only problem, we have issues to deal with at home to make us strong," the President responded.

We need to focus on our own issues, then we won`t need to `handle` anyone.

"A woman may be able to handle these issues better than a man!" he then concluded.

16:21
Now, attention moves to Tula, the arms production capital of Russia.

An employee of an arms factory asked how Russia can capitalize commercially on the success of the military operation in Syria.

The president said that this is happening. More factories are being built to develop air-defense systems.

​The president said that the interest towards Russia arms have increased after the success of Russia`s campaign in Syria.

However, not everything was perfect, the President noted. There were some flaws noticed and specialists flew in to Syria to make adjustments.

Putin said that, "Government defense contracts will not be reduced."

Putin said that the defense budget will be optimized, and the defense industry must think about this too. The equipment purchased by arms manufacturers should also be capable of producing civilian equipment.

16:16
In the wake of the recent terrorist attacks in Europe, the President said that European students are safer in Russia.

Answering a question can we make it easier for foreign students and teachers to visit Russia, the President said, stressing that his answer was without sarcasm, that in the wake of the recent terrorist attacks in Europe, the European students are safer in Russia, because Russia`s anti-terror measures are a lot stronger than those of Europe.

16:11
The President comments on the reforms of Russian Academy of Sciences.

16:06
On the settlement of Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.

Russia is interested in resolving the issue, no matter what people say, the President said.

"We will look for a political compromise. I thought we were close a few years ago, but unfortunately I was wrong."

16:03
What urged the President to create the National Guard.

The president said that the issue was discussed for a long time. The main reason was for managing gun control. It will save lots of money.

"We need the police to monitor migrant flows especially given the current situation."


15:57
In response to the new Ukrainian Prime Minister and the new government.

When asked what can he say about the new Prime Minister and the new Cabinet, the President replied:

"I have no opinion on the new Ukrainian gov`t because I know nothing about them."

"The nine point plan that the previous cabinet adopted – only two points have been completed. The results of this are painful," he added.

"We are interested in Ukraine getting back on its feet and being a strong partner."

15:53
On the implementation of the Minsk accords.

The President said that many elements are stalling. The most important issues are political, that the people living in Eastern Ukraine have their rights assured that there is political reform.

Kiev must pass some reforms which we cannot influence. The Ukrainian president has not signed all the reforms. Putin said that it is easy to in

15:50
On a possible introduction of a single currency within the Eurasian Economic Union.

15:42
The Russian President is answering a question from the country`s business community and their inspection checks.

Most businesses say that they are inspected up to four times a year. The inspections are punitive. They keep "milking" businessmen.

"So, when will the gov`t start treating businesses like partners?" the question was.

15:33
Putin answers questions about the distribution of medical equipment to children and the universal rights of visitors to see patients in intensive care.

15:19
In response to a question about the sanctions imposed on Russia, the President said that he doubts that Russia`s Western partners will lift them any time soon.

A question was asked on the removal of the food embargo, and how it will have a negative effect on farmers who have invested in import substitution.

The president said that he doesn`t expect the West to lift its anti-Russian sanctions any time soon, even though Minsk agreements are being implemented. They will find other reasons to keep their restrictions in place.

15:09
A number of calls were about the upcoming parliamentary elections.

A phone caller asked if voting make a difference if votes will be calculated in favor of the United Russia Party?

The President said that while United Russia is a stabilizing element in Russia, it is not favored. Their candidates do lose elections. People voting responsibility will ensure that those candidates get elected that the country needs. He encouraged all Russians to cast their votes.

15:01
To a question: who is worse for Russia - Trump of Clinton, the President responded that we should be looking for those who better, not worse.

The President was asked a question about who is worse for Russia - Trump or Clinton? The Russian leader responded that international relations sould be about cooperation, and not the lesser evil.

"You know, we should be looking for someone who`s better, not worse," he said.

14:43
To a question why the President does not respond to slander of the Western mass media and lies of "Panama Papers".

14:37
President Putin fields questions from employees at a fish factory.

One employee asks a question about corruption amongst local officials and businessmen.

The president said that he cannot speculate on individual cases, but that the gov`t will not step away from prosecuting guilty officials. They will have their property confiscated and money will be returned to the state.


14:34
A 9-year-old girl asked: do you eat porridge for breakfast? Did anyone make you eat porridge you didn`t like?

"No one has told me what to do. Yes, I eat porridge every day! I like it even more than I used to," the President responded.

`The less teeth you have, the more you like porridge!`

14:30
To a question from 11-year-old Angela: If a genie gave you three wishes, what would you choose?

"We shouldn`t rely on miracles. We have to work with our own hands,` the president answered.

"Otherwise we will end up with nothing, just like in a famous Pushkin fairy tale."

14:20
The president is answering the questions on social infrastructure, social welfare benefits and previous economic crises in the country.

An entrepreneur in the audience thanked the president for his work on behalf of his wife. The president in return gave his thanks for evaluation of his work.

​The president discusses the disparity between property tax and the real property prices.

14:14
On the doping scandal: should Russian athletes prepare for the Olympics given the recent events?

The President said that athletes should be prepared at all times. Russia is working with WADA and international lawyers to clear the situation up.

14:03
Personal question from a pensioner on President Putin`s private life: when will we see the new first lady?

The question was: the ex-Mrs Putin has remarried, when will you introduce your new lady to us?

"I have a very good relationship with Ludmilla, maybe better than before!" the President joked.

"I`m not sure if I should advertise my personal situation, it may change the currency or oil price!"

"I`m aware people want to know about my personal life but it`s not really important. I may satisfy your curiosity in the future."

13:56
On security for Russian tourists in Turkey: President Putin doubts the ability of the Turkish leadership.

When asked how save it is for the Russian tourists to travel to Turkey ahead of the start of the summer season, the President said that he is sure that the Turkish leadership will try to provide security for tourists, but he is unsure of its ability.


13:52
On the energy bridge construction: we are now approaching the amount of power we used to receive from Ukraine.


13:43
A question from a 12-year-old girl: whom would you save Poroshenko or Erdogan, if they are drowning?

The president joked that the question caught him off-guard. However he further explained that if someone is determined to drown, you can`t save him. But Russia will always lend a helping hand.

13:40
A question about Turkish President Erdogan and Russia`s relationship with its neighbors.

President Putin explains that Russia has mostly friendly relations with its neighbors, however it has problems with some of the leaders. Russia will pursue good relations with all the neighbors.

12:37
President Putin is answering a question on pharmaceuticals; it is one of 400,000 text messages received by the leader.

13:28
On strategic importance of Aleppo.

The president also touched upon the situation in Aleppo, which he called a strategic city. There are many terrorist groups there. It is difficult to tell them apart, he admitted.

The Syrian army has a good position there. The opposition wants to retake positions there. It is Kurdish and militants fighting there between themselves.

13:23
On Russia`s foreign policy and Syrian campaign.

The Russian leader is explaining the partial withdrawal of Russian air force from Syria.

He said that the threat of terrorism is still there, but Russia has not abandoned Syria, it have left the army in a strong position. They have taken some key strategic cities. The president hopes that a political process will solve the situation, not force.

"The threat of terrorism is still exists, and while we have withdrawn from Syria but we have not abandoned the country. We have left the army in a strong position," said the Russian leader.

13:19
Russian economy is now in the middle ground between good and bad. Overall the situation has improved and the trend is positive.

A question about whether the economic decline has bottomed out.

"We have a positive trend but it is not over. We expect GDP to continue to fall 0.3% this year, and next year we will see growth," said the president.

The president explained that it`s not about printing money, Gov`t must restructure the economy. Industrial production increased in Feb. High tech exports are increasing compared to commodity exports.



Russian President Vladimir Putin answers questions of the nation at his traditional annual question-and-answer marathon before television audiences, known as Direct Line with Vladimir Putin.

The Direct Line being broadcasts by Russia`s TV Channel One, Rossiya 1, Rossiya 24, radio stations Mayak, Vesti FM and Radio Rossii. Sign language interpretation is also available at the program`s website and on Public Russian Television (OTR).

Among this year`s key topics are the economic situation in the country, social and everyday problems of people.

This Direct Line is 14th for Putin over his presidency and premiership. The first president`s question and answer session was held in 2001.

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