Comprehensive report: On December 17th, local time, Russian President Putin held a large-scale press conference in 2020. In four hours and 29 minutes, Putin answered a total of 60 questions on domestic and foreign issues such as the coronavirus epidemic, economic transformation, Russian-American relations, arms race and so on.
Talking about the epidemic: Russia will actively promote coronavirus vaccination
Putin began the press conference with a saying that the coming year has both gains and regrets, but the main problem is the coronavirus pandemic.
Putin said that Russia has the top three coronavirus detection capabilities in the world, and the “satellite V” vaccine developed by Russia is very effective. So far, there has been no serious side-effect case after the Russian-made coronavirus vaccine. Vaccination for the novel coronavirus will only be carried out voluntarily.
There are a lot of rumors about the source of the coronavirus, and Putin said: “What we need to do is not find the responsible party, but to unite to solve the problem.”
Affected by the coronavirus epidemic, the press conference was held in a different form than before. Putin had a remote communication with reporters at the new Ogalyovo residence in Moscow Oblast.
Talking about internal affairs: Putin has not yet decided whether to participate in the 2024 presidential election.
Regarding Russia’s 2024 presidential election, Putin said that he had not decided whether to participate. “The stable development of the country is crucial. Formally, the people allow me to participate, but whether to do so needs to be seen again.”
Regarding the poisoning of Russian opposition personnel Navalline, Putin said that Russia would launch an investigation and call on the West to provide relevant information.” We are willing to investigate. If anyone has information about the use of chemical weapons, they have been saying that ‘Novichok’ has been used on this matter – please provide this information.
Putin revealed that Russia’s gross domestic product (GDP) is currently down 3.6%, which is lower than that of the United States and many EU countries. But a positive factor in economic development is that Russia is beginning to get rid of its dependence on oil and gas, and 70% of Russia’s budget is not dependent on oil and gas revenue.
Talking about diplomacy: I hope Biden can solve the relationship between Russia and the United States
Regarding the Russian-US relations that have been concerned, Putin said that Russia did not interfere in the U.S. election, and that “the U.S. State Department and intelligence agencies are the authors of rumors about Russian hackers”. The development of bilateral relations between Russia and the United States has been subject to the policy of the United States, hoping that U.S. President-elect Biden can solve the problems in bilateral relations.
In addition, Putin said about the prospect of Russia-Ukraine relations, “it depends largely on the Ukrainian government”.
On the Naka issue, Putin pointed out that Russia’s position is to “peaceful settlement and avoid bloody conflicts”.
Speaking of the situation in Belarus, Putin said that the Belarusian problem can only be solved by the Belarusian people themselves.
Talking about military affairs: Russia does not intend to get involved in the arms race, but will ensure its own security.
Speaking at a press conference, Putin said of Western dissatisfaction with Russia in the field of military strategy: “You are smart people. Why do you think of us as fools?”
Putin said, “Regarding the arms race, I want to say that it has begun… We will not be involved in it”, but will safeguard our own security.
Putin stressed that Russia only has offshore military bases in dangerous areas with terrorist tendencies.
Regarding Russia’s maritime hypersonic missile “Zircon”, Putin said that the recent tests are very important, and the presence of Russian troops will affect the strategic balance of power.
At the press conference, Putin also said these…
In addition to the topic of internal and foreign affairs, Putin also answered other questions in philosophical terms.
At the press conference, a 10-year-old boy asked Putin, “Why don’t other countries like Russia? You know that Russia has done nothing.” In response, Putin said that this is a relationship between adults, and the relationship between people is still strong.
Putin also said that the important secret of family happiness is love, which should also become the cornerstone of international relations. He said, “As for the secret of family happiness, love, but it is no secret.”
