Putin says no elite in Russia
There are rich people and there are poor people, but they are all equal.
Reuters journalists then asks if Putin is afraid of a coup d'etat in Russia.
Sobchak: You once said that the mass media massacred my father. What about the hatred being carried out by mass state media, which lies.
Putin: I learned when I came to Moscow that a mass media massacre was organized against your father. That was confirmed when I came to Moscow.
But no official bodies of power have ever been conducted a campaign against those who disagree with the Kremlin over Ukraine. There never will be. But people have to understand that they don't have a monopoly on the power to oppose. Certain people will also be opposed to the opposition. You should accept that.
Our European powers act different. Mentions European foreign ministries banning Russian cultural figures.
Sobchak question on Chechnya:
Kadyrov said the laws of Russia don't function in Chechnya. He publicly said there will be some massacres of the relatives of people accused of terrorism without court decisions. What's your comment as guaranteeor of Constitution.
Putin Answer:
Here I can't have any other approach but one. Everyone in Russia must abide by existing laws. Second, I told you that life is more difficult, and I have to say from the practice of anti-terrorist division, as usual the relatives of the terrorists knew about it at least. That is the overwhelming majority of cases. Still that doesn't give anyone the right to make pre-court destruction. Law enforcement is now investigating who these people who burned down the houses were -- these people were wearing masks. The words of Kadyrov could have just been emotions. (his emotions were understandble because 14 police died)
But in the U.S. torture was legalized after 9/11. How can you explain that. Not only that, but a method has been developed.
Can Russia afford the World Cup?
The World Cup is a costly event, but unlike other countries that refuse to host such events, we still need to build up a sports infrastructure. We need our people to spend money not on vodka, but on exercise. You must create the culture of physical education. Then we will have a life expectancy not in the early 70s, but longer.
REUTERS ON THE RUBLE'S REACTION TO PUTIN
Ruble Weakens as Traders Hear No Major Measures in Putin's Speech
The ruble weakened against the dollar and euro on Thursday with traders saying President Vladimir Putin had so far offered no concrete measures to pull Russia out of a crisis at his end-of-year news conference.
At 12:54, the ruble was about 3 percent weaker against the dollar at 62.04 after opening more than 1 percent higher. The ruble was also about 2 percent weaker versus the euro at 76.50 on the Moscow Exchange.
Traders said they saw no major measures from Putin so far to address the crisis that has seen the ruble collapse about 45 percent against the dollar so far this year amid slumping oil prices and Western sanctions over Ukraine.
They said market moves were exacerbated by thin liquidity and that small volumes were capable of moving the market by several percent, including trades not related to Putin's speech.
LifeNews: Khodorkovsky promised not to take part in politics, but now he says he'll run for president (crowd laughs after Putin asks, "which country?")
Putin: Yes, Khodorkovsky asked for a pardon and said he wouldn't take part in politics. But this didn't affect my decision. It's his right to enter politics.
Putin says decision was made so he could see his sick mother.