Russian President Vladimir Putin is holding his annual marathon Q&A. He is expected to touch on a variety of themes during a year of great economic and geopolitical turbulence.
WATCH PUTIN'S Q&A
18 December 2014
So that wraps things up for another year. The president faced a total of 53 questions over three hours and 10 minutes - and no surprise pardons on the way out!
Putin wishes everyone a happy New Year and concludes the press conference, which ran an hour less than the previous year.
The biggest shock of the Putin press conference: it was shorter than last year's. Just a little over three hours.
— Steve Rosenberg (@BBCSteveR) December 18, 2014
Putin says that in the end, Russia will be stronger, both economically and in the international arena, despite the problems it is facing today.
Putin once again says that providing for the welfare of people is the most important goal of all. He says the government will adjust pensions for the actual inflation rate.
He says that economic growth is "inevitable", as the rest of the globe is growing economically as well.
"We are all going through a very difficult time due to objective and subjective circumstances."
Putin says the economy will adapt to the new situation, which has been partially sparked by low energy prices.
#Putin. At three hours, he says three more questions. Reporters starting yelling out names of their regions needing attention
— Neil MacFarquhar (@NeilMacFarquhar) December 18, 2014
Putin is asked if he should be held accountable for the current economic problems, including the fall of the ruble.
He is further asked about plans to run for president again. Putin says it is too early to talk about who will run for president in 2018. Regarding the economy, he says the head of state is always responsible, and that everyone makes mistakes. He reiterates that the government is doing very well in addressing the current issues that Russia is facing.
Putin says there is not enough money currently to implement certain projects to guarantee infrastructure projects intended to aid the Crimean Tatars.
Putin says the conference should finish with questions regarding the economy, potentially signalling he could soon wrap the Q&A up.
Correction: Kirov journo who asked #Putin about #Kvas NOT drunk - survived multiple strokes
— RT (@RT_com) December 18, 2014
Putin is being asked about a decree on the rehabilitation of Crimean Tatars, who were expelled during the Soviet Union. The journalist says the decree has not been carried out. Putin says it is unfair to say that, mentioning steps are being taken to protect their culture and linguistic heritage. He also notes that there are other ethnic groups in Crimea, and all their rights should be taken into consideration.
Closing in on three hours
— Andrew Roth (@ARothNYT) December 18, 2014
Press conference has passed the three-hour mark, shows no sign of slowing down.
Putin says men will always bear heavy duties, but we love our women and will back initiatives to promote motherhood.
Putin says there is a strong possiblity that he will visit Tehran.
#PutinPresser: Russia looking for ways to diversify co-operation with #Iran - LIVE NOW http://t.co/KZxR8LmIwepic.twitter.com/mEYRMxWiGF
— RT (@RT_com) December 18, 2014
Putin mentions how Russia promised it would build a nuclear power plant and "we have done it." Contacts between Moscow and Tehran will continue.
Putin says the international working group is very close to finding a solution on the Iranian nuclear question.
Putin turns to the drop in oil prices, why that is happening, and whether there is a conspiracy between the United States and Saudi Arabia to punish Iran and influence Russia's economy. Putin says there could be such a conspiracy, or maybe not. Putin says that one things that remains true is that the interests of the United States and and OPEC members could coincide, despite the US shale gas boom and how that influences oil prices.
Wow. What's Sechin's wage? Putin: "I don't know. I don't even know my own salary." Official salary ain't imp for these guys I guess
— Alec Luhn (@ASLuhn) December 18, 2014
Putin responded there are no government officials in his circle and he hopes there never will be. They are colleagues. Putin says it's easy to criticize state officials and to make such populists appeals, but millions upon millions of Russians depend on those state officials. He said the mass media should be used to expose examples of corruption in cases where those working in state sector abuse their positions.
A journalist passionately asks Putin if it is not the rich bureaucrats living off the state, propagandizing journalists driving unrest in Ukraine, and other members of the security services who aren't the "fifth column" are undermining Russia. She references his previous comment about how there could be no palace coup in Russia, as Russia had a palace. She said that the Russian president did not live in a palace, but many of his "inner circle" did.
He says that as soon as one starts working for ratings as opposed to the good of the country, one's ratings begin to drop.
Putin is being asked about his record popularity rating and how he was recently named "Person of the Year' in Russia. He is asked if he ever feels lonely. Putin replied, "I am never bored."
Putin says that sanctions had caused Russia to consider the ban on imports of new cars. He said such a move could have bolstered domestic automotive production and hurt those sanctioning Russia. He noted, however, that such a move was not needed, as the currency situation was taking care of it anyway.
2.5hrs into #Putinpresser - 1 man faces hundreds of hacks - LIVE FEED http://t.co/KZxR8LmIwepic.twitter.com/omfz7gfFjp
— RT (@RT_com) December 18, 2014
As Putin speaks, Brent is up about 3%, but ruble is down 1%
— James Marson (@marson_jr) December 18, 2014
Putin says that all terror suspects should be brought to justice, but within the framework of the law.
Ksenia Sobchak and Alvi Karimov, press secretary of Ramzan Kadyrov. argue over her previous question regarding whether the Chechen leader had violated the Russia constitution in his call to burn down the homes of terrorists' family members.
Putin notes that the situation with Georgia following the 2008 war is a "bleeding wound." He says that former Georgian President Mikhail Saakashvili led to this situation. He noted how Georgia's decision not to block Russia's ascension into the World Trade Organization was a positive step in mending relations, and Russia in turn opened its markets to Georgia.
Russia says investigation into the oil company Bashneft has no connection with the issue of privatization. The company, formerly controlled by Russian billionaire Vladimir Yevtushenkov, was nationalized. Yevtushenkov was arrested on money laundering charges and placed under house arrest. He was released earlier this week.
70% up and gaining @courtneymoscow Putin says Yevtushenkov invited with all the other businessmen for New Years. And Sistema shares go...?
— Jason Corcoran (@jason_corcoran) December 18, 2014
Make sure to tune in to RT live coverage – on RT.com and YouTube channels, including RT French – to stay on top of the Russian leader’s remarks.
#PutinPresser LIVE NOW: In French http://t.co/WC6K6amPcW & Arabic http://t.co/a5ykN5AQFI
— RT (@RT_com) December 18, 2014
Putin turns to its relationship with China, which he calls Russia's largest trading partner. He notes that Russia and China have many common interests, and the two countries can do a lot towards stabilizing the world. He notes the expansion of nuclear energy and the potential cooperation on a number of hi-tech projects, including space exploration and aviation.
Putin rhapsodizes about Russia's long relationship with Turkey when asked about efforts by the EU to get Turkey to join those imposing sanctions against Russia.
Finally the Turkish journalist gets a word in edgeways after the Mel Brooks of Kirov takes his seat or heads to the bar for some kvaas
— Jason Corcoran (@jason_corcoran) December 18, 2014
Putin says Russia wants to take a balanced approach to the Island of Cyprus, which is divided between Turkish and Greek parts. Putin stresses that Russia has close relations both with Turkey and Greece, and therefore wants to be fair in its efforts in helping bring about a resolution. He says there is much to be optimistic about.
Putin says he doesn't know if Coke is a harmful drink, but many people think it is harmful for children. He says Russia has its own beverages - non-alcoholic beverages - which Russia needs to promote. He says that Russia cannot chase foreign competitors off of the Russian market. He says, however, the government can help support them in taking their rightful share.
Putin asked how his personal life is going. Says "everything is fine, please don't worry." Says he still sees his ex-wife
— Kirit Radia (@KiritRadia) December 18, 2014
Reporter from Voronezh asks Putin about love life at aunt's friends' behest. "Say hi to your aunt's friends" he says then jumps to mortgages
— Alec Luhn (@ASLuhn) December 18, 2014
Putin addresses the difficulties of getting a mortgage in the current economic climate. He notes how specific government mechanisms could be introduced to help people with mortgages, including the possibility of government subsidies.
Putin turns to the issue of creating a free economic space with its partners like Kazakhstan, saying that their mutual market will not turn into a mutual crisis. He speaks of positive results which have already been seen with the Customs Union, noting that turnover has increased 50 times and will continue to grow.
Putin said he wants to work on a host of global health and security issues with its Western partners if they are willing to cooperate with Russia.
Long #Putin answers about resurrecting military assertiveness plays well with Russians who want to live in super power. Some estimate @ 40%
— Neil MacFarquhar (@NeilMacFarquhar) December 18, 2014
He notes the expansion of NATO forces on Russia's borders, once again asking, are we the one provoking a conflict?
Putin back onto favorite topic of U.S. military expansion toward Russia's border
— James Marson (@marson_jr) December 18, 2014
Putin says he believes Russia is right and its Western partners are wrong in regards to the crisis in Ukraine. He claims that sanctions against Russia over the Ukrainian crisis are illegal and violate terms set out by the World Trade Organization.
He mentions that Russia has a handful of foreign military bases, while the United States has military bases around the world. He also notes how the Pentagon has a budget times times higher than that of Moscow. He says looking at these figures, it's difficult to say that Russia is the one pushing conflict. He says that no one wants to listen to Russia's opinion or respect its interests.
#Putin to BBC: We're not attacking anyone, non-aggressive, have 2 military bases abroad - LIVE http://t.co/KZxR8LmIwepic.twitter.com/dwuWXYVvjv
— RT (@RT_com) December 18, 2014
Putin notes that Americans continued its strategic flights, with nuclear weapons on board, even after Russia had stopped such flights in the '90s. He says Russia has started such strategic flights again, but asks who provoked it.
Putin: "We are not attacking in the political sense of that word. We're not attacking anyone. We're defending our interests."
— Paul Sonne (@PaulSonne) December 18, 2014
Putin says that Russia is not seeking conflict, it is more aggressively defending its own interests. This has caused consternation in Washington.
Russia is asked about sending Russian troops into Eastern Ukraine by the BBC, and how, as the commander in chief, he has authorized several military maneuvers which have heightened tensions with Europe. Is Putin seeking a new Cold War?
BBC to #Putin: You're going to need help from West - will you say you seek no Cold War? #putinpresserhttp://t.co/8HmRGBB0SM
— RT (@RT_com) December 18, 2014
Putin says there are significant budgetary imbalances from one regional division to another. He said these imbalances affect every aspect of live, from standard of living to life expectancy.
Putin assures that he will personally oversee the implementation. The presumption of innocence in Russia is sufficient to enure no persecution.
Putin asked about the capital amnesty announced in the recent State of the Nation address, but no further details have emerged. How will this be implemented? What will the reaction of businesses to the law? How can they be sure they won't be persecuted by the authorities once registered in Russia?
Putin says that for those who seized power in Kiev, Europe should have told them that in order to join the European community, they should have abided by the February 21 agreement, which had called for elections which would have taken place this month. But unfortunately, those in Europe chose another path, which led to the civil war in the country.
He noted how US Assistance Secretary of State VictoriaNuland handed out cookies on Kiev's Independence Square, which was symbolic of the Western attitude in Ukraine.
Putin turns to the ouster of Yanukovich in Ukraine. He says that the former Ukrainian president chose not to use force, and now he's gone.
Putin jokes that there cannot be a palace coup in Russia, as Russia has a Kremlin, and not a palace.
Reuters to Putin: People in your circle blame you for problems in country. Putin: Give me their names.
— James Marson (@marson_jr) December 18, 2014
Putin says that such a scenario couldn't happen in Russia, because the government enjoys the support of its people.
#Putin: #Kadyrov has no right to push 'pre-terror' operation - WATCH LIVE http://t.co/KZxR8LmIwe#putinpresserpic.twitter.com/DWOzs3MrAr
— RT (@RT_com) December 18, 2014
Putin is asked about the risks of of coup in Russia. Is there any change of a Color Revolution breaking out in Russia.
Putin says the house burnings will be investigated. He notes, however, how Israel has demolished the homes of relatives of those who carried out suicide bombings. He then mentions how the United States authorized "torture" following the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001.
"In America, torture was legalized, do you believe it?"
Putin reacts to Chechnya terror & dubious official reaction: "After 9/11, we know now, torture was legalized in US." Good point actually
— Alec Luhn (@ASLuhn) December 18, 2014
Putin says that perhaps Kadyrov was speaking out of emotion, and other people had seized on that speech to go and burn down the homes. He noted the number of police officers who were killed, and how that stoked tensions immediately after the seizure of the press house in Grozny.
Putin turns to the question about Chechen President Ramzan Kadyrov, who had threatened to burn down the houses of the families of terrorists suspects. Those houses were subsequently burnt down. Putin said despite the fact that many families knew about their activities of their militant relatives, that gave no one, including Kadyrov, the right to act outside of the law.
It's been 1hr20 mins and not a single question from Western media.
— Nataliya Vasilyeva (@NatVasilyevaAP) December 18, 2014
Ksenia Sobchak and Putin begin banter about both human rights in Chechnya and the "fifth column" in Russia. She then turns to how the state media is covering the crisis in Ukraine, and how it might be "fostering hatred".
Ksenia Sobchak, socialite turned opposition TV presenter and daughter of Putin's mentor gets a q. Putin jokes "why did you give her a q?"
— Kirit Radia (@KiritRadia) December 18, 2014
Sobchak really laying into Putin now.
— Paul Sonne (@PaulSonne) December 18, 2014
Turning to public health and Russia’s investment in global sporting events, Putin says that a culture of exercise needs to be created, and competitions like the FIFA World Cup help bring about these cultural shifts. He notes that infrastructure needed for these international sporting events is just a pretext for aiding the overall development of Russia.
Putin says that the tragic circumstances in Ukraine have taken away from the momentum Russia had hoped to garner from the Olympics. He says, however, that Russia is not responsible for the coup that brought about that situation.
Russian press holding their signs to get Putin's attention. Note the sign mounted on a crutch pic.twitter.com/u5ejod0y4h
— Kirit Radia (@KiritRadia) December 18, 2014
A year after Mikhail Khodorkovsky was pardoned, a journalists from Life News says that the former oligarch had promised he would stay out of politics. He mentions that Khodorkovsky has kicked around the idea of running for president.
Putin sarcastically asks, "What country would Khodorkovsky become president of?"
Putin on Khodor release: "I don't regret anything. I did everything absolutely correctly." Theme of this press conference, as usual
— James Marson (@marson_jr) December 18, 2014
Putin says that it should be a collaboration between public and private sector in developing projects to aid gifted children in a variety of fields, including music and mathmatics.
Putin talks about government funds being given to help in the development of the countries gifted children.
Putin is asked about a website for gifted children in Russia intended to bolster patriotism. He is asked if there will be government support for such initiatives.
First literary reference from Putin is Mikhail Lermontov's "Farewell, unwashed Russia."
— Maria Antonova (@mashant) December 18, 2014
Putin presser: To try to attract attention of spokesman Peskov to get to ask a question, dozens of journalists wave signs. #RusskyMir
— Neil MacFarquhar (@NeilMacFarquhar) December 18, 2014
NICE question from Gazeta: Where does the opposition end and the 5th estate (in Russia assoc w/ 'traitors') begin? Putin :The line is thin.
— Karena Avedissian (@KarenaAv) December 18, 2014
Putin said in using this language, he was not trying to divide the country, but unite it. He said it is "difficult to see where the opposition ends and the fifth column starts."
Putin defends his use of the term "fifth column" and says he was working to bring society together not drive it apart.
— Andrew Roth (@ARothNYT) December 18, 2014
Journalists mentions how Putin brought the idea of "national traitors" and a "fifth column" into the Russian lexicon. She asks Putin who exactly he meant in speaking of a "fifth column."
Putin seems to be alternating between need to back central bank to calm markets and desire to criticize bank for not acting earlier/quicker.
— Paul Sonne (@PaulSonne) December 18, 2014
"We spend a lot on healthcare, but it's not very efficient."
#Putin one hour in and now talking about need for better, high tech medical care.
— Neil MacFarquhar (@NeilMacFarquhar) December 18, 2014
"These are the types of issues that should always be in the spotlight."
Putin says that millions of people expect the government to ameliorate problems in the healthcare system. He stresses that the government should be focused on the well-being of its citizens.
As #Putin speaks, Russian reporter near me is monitoring his effect on the ruble exchange rate. Bit up and down.
— Neil MacFarquhar (@NeilMacFarquhar) December 18, 2014
Putin calls "healthcare" one of the key issues of Russian life.
Putin is asked about his attitude towards the healthcare situation in Russia.
Putin turns his attention to speculators who are playing an active role in devaluing the ruble. He notes that these actors can both be foreign and domestic alike.
Putin says there are not supplies of gas in Europe that would be cheaper than those Russia can supply. He notes that he wants to help Turkey's economy grow with gas pipeline project.
Putin "won't get into details" but argues hugely expensive gas pipeline to China "will not be loss-making" b/c both sides offered discounts
— Alec Luhn (@ASLuhn) December 18, 2014
#Putin: Poroshenko wants peace but others in Kiev want war to the end #putinpresser WATCH LIVE http://t.co/xbLgNViyAApic.twitter.com/q8qbSYxvAW
— RT (@RT_com) December 18, 2014
Putin certainly not backing down. Accuses West of trying to subdue Russia
— James Marson (@marson_jr) December 18, 2014
Putin has spoken twice now about the need to restore a "common political area" in Ukraine.
— Steve Rosenberg (@BBCSteveR) December 18, 2014
"If Ukraine is to preserve its territorial integrity, they have to respect everyone who lives in the territory of their country."
Putin: "I have no doubt Poroshenko is looking for peace, but he isn't the only one in Kiev, others want fight 2 end" Here we can all agree.
— Oliver Carroll (@olliecarroll) December 18, 2014
Putin says DNR did not sign Minsk protocols because they were afraid for their families in disputed territories. But Russia signed them.
— Anna Arutunyan (@scrawnya) December 18, 2014
Putin says that Ukrainian troops have failed to meet the conditions under the Minsk agreement, including pulling back troops from different areas.
Putin returns to the Minsk Agreement, intended to bring about a resolution to the crisis in Ukraine.
Putin says that the Minsk Agreement needs to be implemented in order to bring about a peaceful solution to the crisis in Ukraine.
Putin is stuffing the bear now.. The Sun Newspaper in London is going to love this stream of consciousness
— Jason Corcoran (@jason_corcoran) December 18, 2014
Putin reiterates that a diplomatic solution is needed to help those suffering in eastern Ukraine. He says that Russia must abide by international law in helping fix the situation. He stresses the right of self-determination.
Putin says that Russia is merely trying to maintain its "sovereignty." He says that 25-30 percent of the problems Russia is facing are due to sanctions. He says that to go through the necessary economic restructuring the country needs to grow, Russians have to work, and if they don't work, Russia will become a teddy bear. He reiterates that whatever Russia is going through, it has nothing to do with Crimea.
Putin says they "are trying to chain the bear."
#Putin: Western nations want chain 'the Russian bear' http://t.co/nq60Lzoaof LIVE FEED http://t.co/KZxR8LmIwepic.twitter.com/OynNGf9b98
— RT (@RT_com) December 18, 2014
Russia says some of Russia's "partners" supported terrorists in the Caucasus. He says that no matter what Russia does, they are against us.
Putin turns to how Russia's hosing of the 2014 Winter Olympics was met with antipathy in some circles despite its ostensible goal of bring the world together.
Putin says he wants to use "diplomatic means" to restore a united political space in Ukraine.
Putin says the current economic situation is "not a price Russia has to pay for Crimea".
Putin says that all Russians who are fighting in Ukraine are not mercenaries, as they are not being paid. He describes military operations in eastern Ukraine as a punitive operation, but an operation that is being directed by Kiev.
Putin says that no matter how you slice it, what happened in Ukraine this past February was a "coup."
#Putin: #Kiev is running punitive military operation, not Russia LIVE http://t.co/KZxR8LmIwe & http://t.co/ZipP8avjdcpic.twitter.com/c8BeBnn91F
— RT (@RT_com) December 18, 2014
Ukrainian journalist asks Putin how many troops he sent to Ukraine and how many of them died pic.twitter.com/qk3KgCxch4
— Kirit Radia (@KiritRadia) December 18, 2014
UKROP guy is up, useful straw man to ask important question: "How many soldiers did you send to Ukraine." pic.twitter.com/q94cLlPIeQ
— Andrew Roth (@ARothNYT) December 18, 2014
Ukrainian journalist hitting Putin hard - "how many troops did you send to Ukraine," "what would you tell the parents of the ones who died?
— greg white (@whitegl) December 18, 2014
A Ukrainian journalist asks Putin how many "Russian militants" he has sent to Eastern Ukraine. He asks him how much Russian military equipment has been sent to the troubled region. The journalist in question is wearing a t-shirt with the word "dill" written across the front, in reference to a derogatory term used to describe ethnic Ukrainians.
Putin notes that those in the West started behaving like winners after the Cold War ended. He said that they behaved like they were an empire, and other states "vassals."
Putin's most-used phrase so far: "External economic conjuncture" that is battering Russia
— Alec Luhn (@ASLuhn) December 18, 2014
Putin turns to the theme of NATO expansion. "Isn't it a wall, a virtual wall?"
Putin says that what Russia needs is to provide for the freedom of entrepreneurs and guarantee property rights. He says that law enforcement agencies should not be used to merely punish one's competitors. He calls for work on the industrial sector, and development of Russia’s regions. He returns to the development of the Russian Far East, a theme that featured prominently in last year’s press conference.
Putin turns to the 25 year anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall. He notes that new walls are being built.
Putin: Bureaucracy in Russia is nothing compared to the European Union. Bureaucracy is not a problem in our country
— Kirit Radia (@KiritRadia) December 18, 2014
A journalist from the business daily Kommersant tells Putin that bureaucracy and red tape are the factors holding back Russia’s economy. He asks Putin if he’ll be able to push through his reforms this time around.
Putin replies that bureaucracy is not the real problem in Russia. He says that compared with Europe, Russia does not have stifling bureaucracy.
#Putin in the middle defending his course. The economic difficulties will last two years, he says. pic.twitter.com/fUPSn7XR76
— Ivan Nechepurenko (@INechepurenko) December 18, 2014
Putin stresses that the Central Bank alone is not responsible for the situation in the country.
On a journalist at Putin press conference, is that a tankist's helmet?! pic.twitter.com/jDmBd1KvEB
— Andrew Roth (@ARothNYT) December 18, 2014
Putin reiterates that the Central Bank is handling the economic situation properly.
#PutinPress14: Despite market turbulence Federal budget in the black WATCH LIVE http://t.co/KZxR8LmIwepic.twitter.com/Ch5pGasYCq
— RT (@RT_com) December 18, 2014
He says that whatever the case, the government will fulfill its social obligations.
He notes that the government has $419 billion in reserves, and the government has no intention of squandering it. These reserves will be used to shore up Russia's social obligations and diversify the economy.
Putin says that Russia's economy will begin growing again despite the impact of falling oil prices. He says that in the worst case scenario, growth will be put off by two years. He stresses that "growth is inevitable."
Putin says the Central Bank and government have reacted appropriately regarding the ongoing currency crisis.
He now moves onto what he says is the main theme of his press conference, the economic situation in the country.
Despite external factors that have impacted the country, he also says that not enough has been done to diversify Russia's economy.
Putin moves on to note that Russia has boosted its military capacity over 2014, though he says he will not cover every detail.
Putin says that Russia’s demographic situation is showing positive signs, with the birth rate increasing and the death rate decreasing.
He also notes that industrial production is up 1.7 percent, and the level of unemployment across the country is quite low.
Putin says the main point is that GDP growth for the past 10 months has been .06 or .07 percent.
Russian journalists are getting ready to ask Putin tough questions pic.twitter.com/b72zMRBSnh
— max seddon (@maxseddon) December 18, 2014
Journalists are already anticipating that this session will not be a brief one.
Putin's annual press conference is about to start. My estimate is 4 hours 23 minutes... pic.twitter.com/Pe3gQtNI7F
— Rachel Price (@NewsCamerawoman) December 18, 2014
A total of 1,259 Russian and foreign journalists have been accredited for the 10th annual press conference to be held by the Russian President. Similar Q&A sessions in the past have lasted for several hours.
RT is starting Live Updates on President Vladimir Putin’s annual press conference.