BEIJING, Dec. 17 (Reuters)-On December 17, local time, Russian President Vladimir Putin held a large-scale press conference in 2020. In four hours and 29 minutes, Putin answered 60 questions, covering domestic and foreign issues such as the COVID-19 epidemic, economic transformation, Russia-US relations, and the arms race.
Data map: Russian President Vladimir Putin. China News Service reporter Wang Xiujun photo
Talking about the epidemic situation: COVID-19 will actively promote vaccination.
Putin said at the beginning of the press conference that the coming year has both gains and regrets, but the main problem is the Covid-19 pandemic.
Putin said that Russia’s Covid-19 detection capacity ranks among the top three in the world, and the "satellite V" vaccine developed by Russia is highly effective. So far, there has not been a case of serious side effects after vaccination of COVID-19 vaccine made in Russia. Vaccination in COVID-19 will only be carried out on a voluntary basis.
At present, there are many rumors about the source of Covid-19. Putin said: "What we have to do is not to find the responsible party, but to unite to solve the problem."
Influenced by the COVID-19 epidemic, the press conference was held in a different form. Putin had a long-distance communication with reporters in the official residence of Novo Ogaryovo in Moscow State.
Talking about internal affairs: Putin has not yet decided whether to participate in the 2024 presidential election.
For Russia’s presidential election in 2024, Putin said that he has not made a decision whether he will participate. "The stable development of the country is crucial. Formally speaking, the people allow me to participate, but whether to do so needs to be seen again."
Regarding the poisoning incident of Russian opposition figure Navalny, Putin said that Russia will 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, he has always said yes to this matter ‘ Novichok ’ — — Please provide this information. "
Putin revealed that Russia’s gross domestic product (GDP) is currently falling by 3.6%, which is lower than that of the United States and many European Union countries. However, a positive factor in economic development is that Russia has begun to get rid of its dependence on oil and gas, and 70% of Russia’s budget does not depend on oil and gas income.
Data Map: On May 1, local time, Moscow ushered in the annual Labor Day. Affected by the epidemic, Moscow has become quiet this year. In the downtown area, there are almost no pedestrians. China News Service reporter Wang Xiujun photo
Talking about diplomacy: I hope Biden will solve Russia-US relations.
Regarding the relations between Russia and the United States that have been concerned by the outside world, Putin said that Russia did not interfere in the US election, and "the State Council and intelligence agencies in the United States are the authors of rumors about hackers involved in Russia". The development of bilateral relations between Russia and the United States has always been constrained by American policies, and it is hoped that US President-elect Biden can solve the problems existing in bilateral relations.
In addition, for the prospect of Russia-Ukraine relations, Putin said, "This depends largely on the Ukrainian government."
On the Nagorno-Karabakh issue, Putin pointed out that Russia’s position is "peaceful settlement and avoiding bloody conflicts."
When talking about the situation in Belarus, Putin said that the Belarus issue can only be solved by the Belarusian people themselves.
Talking about the military: Russia does not intend to get involved in the arms race, but it will ensure its own security.
When talking about western countries’ dissatisfaction with Russia in the field of military strategy at a press conference, Putin said: "You are smart people, why do you treat us like fools?"
Putin said, "As for the arms race, I would say that it has already started … … We will not get involved, but we will protect our own safety.
Data Map: On June 24th, local time, a military parade was held in Red Square, Moscow, Russia to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the victory of the Great Patriotic War. Affected by the Covid-19 epidemic, the security guards around the parade wore masks and gloves. China News Service reporter Wang Xiujun photo
Putin stressed that Russia only has overseas military bases in dangerous areas with terrorist tendencies.
Regarding the Russian sea hypersonic missile "Zircon", Putin said that the recent test is very important, and its inclusion in the Russian army will affect the balance of strategic forces.
At the press conference, Putin also said these things … …
Apart from domestic and foreign affairs, Putin also answered some other questions with philosophical words.
Russian President Vladimir Putin held a press conference. Image source: Sputnik video screenshot
At the press conference, a 10-year-old boy asked Putin, "Why don’t other countries like Russia, because Russia has done nothing?". In this regard, Putin replied that this is a relationship between adults, and the ties between people are still very strong.
Putin also said that the important secret of family happiness is love, which should also be the cornerstone of international relations. He said: "As for the secret of family happiness, it is love, but it is no secret."