On the photo: Russian President Vladimir Putin on 14 December holds his end-of-year press conference, followed by the `Direct Line with Vladimir Putin` televised event, where he will answer citizens` questions focusing on domestic issues. The President`s Big Press Conference is an annual event that has been held since 2001. This year the format is combined `Direct Line` (questions from citizens) and `Big Press Conference` (questions from journalists). The event takes place months before the presidential election scheduled for 17 March 2024, in which Putin decided to run for re-election. EPA/ALEXANDER ZEMLIANICHENKO / POOL
President Vladimir Putin said Russia could "move on" despite Western economic sanctions and political isolation stemming from its incursion into Ukraine, opening a long-awaited year-end press conference, AFP reported.
Putin has sought to reassure Russians that the protracted conflict will not affect their lives, and his assessment came after he announced last week that he would run for a fifth term in March.
"There is enough for us not only to feel confident but also to move forward," Putin said.
He stated that among the country's strengths are the consolidation of Russian society, the stability of the financial and economic system, and the growing capabilities of the Russian army."
However, he admitted that inflation is rising.
The Russian president noted that his main goal for his fifth term in the Kremlin, which will extend his rule until 2030, is to "strengthen" Russia's sovereignty.
"This means strengthening the country's defense capabilities and external security," he said.
"Another priority will be guaranteeing the rights of citizens, even though Moscow has launched a massive crackdown on dissent at home while troops are fighting in Ukraine," Putin added. /BGNES
