The next questions come from a group of young people in the studio who are summing up questions from people living in Russia's remote Far East. Focus is on lack of job opportunities, the isolation of the far-flung region, and the exodus of young people. Followed by a phone question about the high cost of air tickets from the Far East to Moscow.
In response to the question about air fares, Putin lists government programs to subsidize travel to and from the Far East and says that VAT on such air tickets has been annulled as of yesterday.
The Kremlin live-tweeting now: "Putin to the Tomsk governor: Bureaucrats must work in the interests of local residents." Looks like this will be a broad takeaway from today's event. Perhaps unsurprising given the bursts of local unrest (over landfills and a deadly shopping-mall fire) in the one month since the beginning of his fourth term.
Putin says Russia built the new Vostochny cosmodrome in the Far East in order to create jobs in the region. What would Roskosmos say about that?
The next question is about Russia's tense relations with the West and what Moscow plans to do about the fact that the West blames Russia for everything. Putin says "the accusations against Russia are endless."
Putin criticizes the West again for trying to "restrain" Russia and prevent Russia from becoming a competitor. West resists accepting Russia as an economic partner even though doing so would only be good for the global economy.
Putin says Russia must "defend its interests in the sphere of the economy and security." But in doing so, "we always strive to find compromises." Sadly, all of Russia's "partners" refuse to consider Russia's interests. Moderator asks if there will be another world war, Putin says the world must be restrained by its realization that a global war would destroy civilization. Sings the praises of MAD.
Putin again criticizes U.S. withdrawal from ABM treaty. He calls for world to sit down and develop new mechanisms for international security.