RT is covering the Russian president’s traditional end-of-year Q&A marathon session. Over 1,400 journalists have joined the event, ready to pose a wide variety of questions. It is expected that the focus will be on the US election results, Syrian conflict, and domestic issues.
Note: These comments are not direct quotes taken from President Putin. They are updated live and are the closest approximation to the statements made. Any statements may be edited or updated later to reflect more accurately what was said.
23 December 2016
After almost four hours, Putin calls an end to the marathon session.
He closes by wishing everyone all the best for the new year.
A return to the issue of Rosneft and Sechin.
Why does the money that goes to some Rosneft accounts not go to the government and state funds?
Putin says these funds are transparent, and some of them are in fact used.
As an example, Putin cites Rosneft money that was granted to science and education projects.
These funds will also be used for aviation projects.
Putin is asked about the decline in the popularity of reading among youngsters. Will the state support libraries?
There is also a question on behalf on an eight-year-old boy about whether robots are needed in the Kremlin.
Putin says humans are needed in the Kremlin, and that we can't rely on robots to decide the future of millions of people.
As for libraries, these undoubtedly need to be revived - it's important for children.
The state needs to support local authorities on how to help the youth of the country develop.
What has been Putin's biggest mistake as president?
Putin notes that he's been asked that question several times, and says that everyone makes mistakes, and that he does not want to repeat his answer again.
He notes, however, that we all have 'homework' to do, and that he will continue to do this.
Putin asks for two more questions only, otherwise the event would be ‘endless’.
When will Putin meet with Trump?
Putin says Trump will need time to organize his administration, but of course they will need to work together to restore relations.
Question: Will the president support the idea of VDNKH-type markets across Russia, with locals exhibiting produce again.
VDNKH exhibition area has been revived. If locals have ideas about presenting their goods in Moscow, of course the mayor of Moscow would be ready to listen.
A question on neighboring Georgia. Cultural and political relations have improved, but recently seem to have stalled, presumably due to territorial issues. With Georgia being granted visa-free access to the EU - is there a chance of this happening for Georgians with Russia?
The president says the regime was only stopped due to the war of 2008, but it was not Russia that began the conflict. We need to start by normalizing relations between security and anti-terrorism forces.
Editor's note: Russians have visa-free access to Georgia, but not the other way around. There are no official diplomatic relations between the two countries.
The recent tragedy of poisoning in Irkutsk, where dozens of people died after consuming bath lotion. What is the president's view on measures to combat alcoholism?
Putin says that words fail him about the extent of the tragedy. The local authorities failed the local population with their lack of controls. A foreign company set up the company that produced the lotion, but the methanol content was not controlled.
The level of alcohol addiction is a problem, but no worse than in other countries, especially Nordic countries. We cannot simply ban things, but we need to continue to work on it. Education is important. Putin urged the media to assist in this.
READ MORE: 48 people die after drinking bath lotion with antifreeze in Siberia
Three-and-a-half hours into the marathon Q and A session. The president appears to be indefatigable.
The relationship between Russia and China is very good. We call it a strategic partnership, but it's actually bigger than that. Across many sectors we are showing how profitable such a close relationship can be. There are some difficulties, but Putin declined to comment on those. The future, however, is bright.
Some environmental activists likened to Islamic State (IS, formerly ISIS/ISIL), according to one journalist. How can we differentiate between people who really care and 'foreign agents'?
Putin says that other powers use environmental activists to frustrate construction of infrastructure and other projects. But of course we should also care about the environment when planning such facilities. In terms of Russia's nuclear facilities, IAEA inspectors said after Fukushima they are the safest in the world.
Controversy is raised about the Yeltsin Center in Yekaterinburg, which has been criticized for "distorting history." Putin says more study is required on some issues, especially as to how Russia is represented in history. He says he's OK with discussion, but he doesn't like it when these issues are escalated to the point of confrontations. We should seek reconciliation, harmony and unity, he says.
The president is asked about his plans to run in 2018 (which Putin jokingly calls "a provocative question"). He declines to be drawn on the issue, saying he will make his mind up in due course.
Relations with Europe: Russia is not responsible for relations going sour. Russia did not impose sanctions first. We'd be happy to lift them - if our European partners lift their anti-Russian sanctions.
How did we get here? Our US and European friends were guarantors of the deal involving then Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovich and the EU association agreement with Ukraine. Instead of supporting this, the coup then happened and the West backed this.
This tragedy was based on the fact that they could not coordinate their position on Ukraine signing an associate agreement with the EU.
Was it us who did it? Yanukovich said he wanted to join the EU under the agreement, but needed to coordinate the parameters with Russia and needed time for this. Europe did not allow this.
After the coup in Ukraine, the authorities postponed the EU association agreement right away, which is actually all Yanukovich wanted to do.
Now Europe doesn't want to ratify this agreement, judging by the referendum in the Netherlands on the issue. I don't know what to say.
President Putin notes that this has harmed cooperation with Europe in many areas.
He also mentions the recent terrorist attack in Germany, saying our hearts go out to the victims and their families.
Internal politics.
Will Putin continue with the practice of appointing local governors, and does he not trust local politicians themselves?
Putin: The only goal is the welfare of Russia. We need the right people for this. We have 85 regions - just three governors were chosen this way. Do we trust the local politicians? Yes. In the vast majority of regions the governors are from those regions. In some cases people from the outside are needed though, and local people support this, actually.
It all depends on how local people assess their officials, we will listen to them. If we need to find local governors (centrally), we will do that in the interests of the locals.
The questions turn to education.
Putin is asked about February 9, 2013 meeting in which he said there would be no juvenile system according to Western standards. The questioner says that the system is similar to Scandinavia, however. Also, what about child punishment - a father could be more harshly punished for smacking a child than a neighbor.
Putin: It's best not to slap children or refer to this as a tradition. Children depend completely on their parents, there are ways to educate children without smacking them.
But of course there are some issues in child protection practices. Interference too much into family affairs is unacceptable, we will look at this.
Question: Is the state overzealous with its role on patriotism. Are some of these patriots hooligans? Also, regarding animal welfare - how can we treat animals without homes and owners.
We need a system for animal welfare of course. We have heard of cases where wild animals attacked children. We need to resolve these issues.
As for patriotism - the government will support this, it is a unifying force. But hooligans are hooligans.
What about a ban on 'Jesus Christ Superstar' in Omsk? Well, they only sold 46 tickets. So they decided to ban it.
We will not go down the road of banning things, but there is a constant dialogue.
A question from Kurdistan 24 TV channel.
What's Russia's stance on the fact that Iraqi Kurds have taken steps to independence?
Putin: Russia has always had a close relationship with the Kurds. We understand what is going on in the Middle East. The Kurdish Peshmerger have been courageous in fighting terrorism. As for independence for the Kurds, we need to act in line with international law. Independence and the form of this will depend on Iraq and the Kurds. We will be in contact with Iraq, but won't interfere with internal Iraqi affairs.
A question on the international fight against terrorism, in particular Islamic State (IS, formerly ISIS/ISIL).
Should the term 'Islamic State' be banned from the media?
Putin: It's a different question on whether the term should be banned in the media, but certainly the association should not be made lightly between Islam as a religion and terrorism.
A return to the question of infrastructure.
How to name the bridge to Crimea? This could be put to a referendum, but the main issue is to build it first.
Regarding Russia's Kaliningrad exclave and energy supplies, there were no issues with this previously, but these have now emerged with Russia's European partners for some reason. Russia will work on resolving this.
Russian oil and gas will be supplied to Crimea, starting with natural gas. Power plants will be built in Crimea, which is essential for the development of the area. These are landmark events for Crimea.
Putin suggests changing the topic to chess. How will chess be developed, the president is asked.
First and foremost, it’s up to local governors and authorities to decide how much chess schoolchildren should play. But Russia is undoubtedly proud of its history in chess. This should be developed throughout Russia. As for Sergey Karjakin, who recently contested the world title, we should be proud of him.
A question from RT: The state of US democracy after the recent presidential election.
Putin says it's not clear why the existing system of the electoral college persists, but that's up to the lawmakers of the US to determine whether or not to change the system.
The Eurasian Economic Union (EEU): some countries have benefited, such as Armenia, while others suffered, including Kyrgyzstan. What does the president think about the state of the CIS?
There have been some issues with some members due to health quality control issues - we are working to help Kyrgyzstan improve its hygiene and sanitation so its produce will meet standards. Other states have benefited greatly from the union, for example Belarus, whose exports to Russia have increase several times over. The union in general is healthy.
There are problems with the EU, including with Britain and even Poland. What does Russia feel about a weaker Europe? A strong and reliable Europe is desirable, but if it tells Russia to negotiate via a third country, what's the point in dealing with Europe at all, the president asks? It's not up to Russians to decide if it's good or bad that such a high level of decentralization exists - it's up to Europeans.
What is being done to strengthen national defense and national security?
The president answers with a little history lesson dating back to the war of 1812. The moral of the story is Russian sovereignty facing evolving challenges through the years, even down to the current issues of financial and cyber threats.
Russia is equipped and prepared to deal with any and all challenges, says Putin.
Oil prices: is the Russian budget able to sustain itself on the current low prices? Putin corrects the reporter on the current oil prices, stating that it's $55 per barrel, not the $45 mentioned. Prices are expected to remain stable and the economy should be strong enough to withstand that rate. In terms of production cuts, there won't be any effect on the industry, but we expect prices to increase. If it were to rise by $10 a barrel, the budget would receive some 175 billion rubles in revenue.
A return to domestic issues, this time on the topic of taxes.
Putin says taxes on individuals are among the lowest in Europe. It doesn't make sense to change from a flat rate to a progressive system, because it's not clear how it would be implemented without unintentionally disadvantaging certain people. There are other means of redressing imbalances, for example greater taxes on luxury items.
Regarding Turkey-Russia relations: After the Russian Air Force jet was shot down a year ago, the relationship was rebuilt. Then the Russian ambassador was killed in Ankara. Can the relationship get past this?
Putin says assassination of the ambassador was an attempt to derail Russian-Turkish relations. He is skeptical that the aircraft was shot down without the knowledge of someone in the Turkish government, but is at pains to note he is not pointing the finger at anyone. "Will [the assassination] damage relations with Turkey? No!" Even after the problems encountered, we were able to find a way past them and mend relations.
Aleppo: A big role was played by the leadership or Iran and Turkey, but a major part was played by Russia. So the trilateral relations are strong and effective.
The president is asked various questions about Ukraine, including how efficient the Normandy Four group is, and if recent arrests of Ukrainian citizens in Russia are politically motivated.
Putin: It would be great if the Ukrainian army were not considered as occupants in Donbass.
On releasing prisoners, Russia is doing everything for prisoner exchanges with Ukraine. We would agree to an 'all-for-all' exchange, but there need to be the correct conditions for this.
The Normandy Four (Russia, Ukraine, France and Germany) has not been especially effective, that's true.
I support the visa free regime between Ukraine and Europe - this is the right step forward. The visa regime with Europe is a remnant of the Cold War
But, this will increase the inflow of migrant workers into Europe from Ukraine.
Question on the rights of people to early retirement, and what pensioners can expect next year.
Putin: The key elements of the pension system will remain unchanged. Early retirement is a special situation that needs to be analyzed. A lot of people retire early, but any changes to the system will only be made with public consultation and with careful consideration.
Regarding the environment, the Paris Treaty and what France did was tremendous. Russia has made some serious commitments to environmental change and will implement those.
On domestic policies, environmental protection has always been important. We want to pass the environment on to future generations in good condition. There is the serious issue of forest preservation, and some regulation will need to be changed to protect this - while also considering the interests of the timber industry. But we must care for our forests and parks properly, otherwise we will have nothing left.
On the US elections and accusations of Russian tampering.
Losers always look for someone to blame, but they should first of all look at themselves. The most important thing is what was revealed. It's not like people invented this information - what they reported is true. It showed how the Democratic Party manipulated the system against Bernie Sanders. Instead of apologizing, they began to look for people to blame.
As for the details of conversations with President Obama, I never reveal the contents of private discussions with foreign leaders.
On nuclear weapons, Russia has not violated any frameworks and is in line with all obligations. US monitors have checked our sites.
The US withdrew from the ABM Treaty, not Russia. Yes, Russia improved its nuclear capabilities, and perhaps this is why the US is so anxious to enhance its capabilities, Russia is aware of that. The US has done this too, however, including in the UK - and Russia hopes people in the UK and elsewhere know about this.
Russia is not stimulating a new arms race. Russia will never join an arms race, or spend the kind of resources that it can't afford.
Russia is proceeding according to its own modernization plan.
A question from the BBC: Russia has been accused of state-sponsored hacking. Obama says Putin may be behind that, and told Putin personally to 'cut it out'. Can President Putin confirm this, and how did he respond? Also, what are his thoughts on Trump's recent statements on nuclear weapons?
On sport and doping accusations, Putin says Russia never had a state-sponsored doping program – this is impossible and unthinkable.
Of course there are problems with doping, like any other country. Russia should work with WADA and other international bodies. We hope the changes being made will help Russia address the situation. The investigation will be carried out until the end.
The role of some officials in the accusations is questionable, including a Russian sports official who worked abroad and returned to Russia with banned substances and forced athletes to take these. This official then fled. This official had patrons there and waited for the right time to attack Russia.
Putin is asked about projects to rebuild Orthodox Churches in Russia.
He praised all efforts to rebuild places of worship, whatever the religion.
The Democrats lost, and if you lose, you should lose with dignity.
He stressed that he wants a businesslike relationship with both Republicans and Democrats that benefits both Russia and America.
Putin is asked about the US election. Is he so powerful he could have influenced the result?
He answers that there have been attempts to find a scapegoat for the failures of the US Democratic Party. Putin says the Democrats lost a number of elections, not just the presidential one. Is he to blame? Is Russia responsible for everything? This signals that there are systemic problems, the perception of the gap between the elites and the grassroots.
Putin says that former President Reagan would rejoice at the fact that his party is winning across the board and that Trump has been elected.
Of course, no one knew that Trump was going to win, apart from us, Putin says, to laughter from the audience.
Crimean integration is moving along, including with the construction of the bridge over the Kerch Strait. Tourism will increase and the hi-tech sector will be built up there. Wages in Crimea are lower than the Russian average, but Putin is sure that things will improve if we ensure regional authorities have access to all the necessary tools for development.
In 2001, the US pulled out of the ABM treaty, and Russia was told "It's not directed against you." So Russia's development independently is only according to the path that was put before it at that time. Putin reiterates that, although he doesn't know why the Obama Administration is at pains to claim the US military is the strongest ever, the Russian military is capable of negating any aggressor.
The Wall Street Journal asks if it is possible that an early presidential election will take place next year? Putin jokingly asks "In which country?" The reply is "In Russia," to which the president replies that it is possible, but it's not expedient.
Regarding recent comments about the Russian military, Putin says that no one argues that the US military is the most powerful in the world. His comments about Russia's strength were that he believes the military is stronger than any potential AGGRESSOR [his stress]. The US is not regarded as an aggressor.
In 2011, 2.7 percent of GDP was spent on defense. In 2016 the figure will be 4.7 percent, but henceforth that proportion will decrease.
A question on corruption, in particular the recent case former Finance Minister Alexey Ulyukaev and the case of the murder of political figure Boris Nemtsov, over a year on.
President Putin answers that he has, of course, been following the high-profile cases of corruption and assassination. However, unfortunately it's not restricted to Russia. Just look at this week's killing of Moscow's ambassador to Turkey. Russia will be working hard to bring all involved to justice.
Putin had no contact with Ulyukaev, but the evidence was strong enough to justify his dismissal. Before the case comes to court, though, it would be premature to comment.
7.5 billion rubles is earmarked for subsidies to certain industries for the next year as continuation of measures to bolster the economy.
Russia is undeniably not without problems. Real incomes have decreased, affecting demand and investment. However, in the last few months there have been increases in real wages, which is cause for optimism. The birth rate has recently decreased slightly, but correspondingly, the mortality rate as also decreased.
The Russian economy is the focus of the first question. The president says GDP decreased by 3.8 percent in 2015, but this year 0.056 percent negative growth is expected.
Inflation: last year the rate was high, but this year will come in under 6 percent - around 5.5 percent. Even better than the record set in 2011.
The president begins his Q and A session with the media more or less on time.
President Putin is expected to speak on the Syrian crisis, the US election results, and his cautious optimism towards a possible rapprochement between Moscow and Washington, as well as on the economic challenges faced by Russia.
At least 1,437 reporters have been accredited this year, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told TASS.
This year, Vladimir Putin postponed his annual end-of-year press conference in order to attend the funeral of the assassinated Russian ambassador to Turkey, Andrey Karlov, whose funeral took place on Thursday.