Next question is about the street-level economic issues brought on by the pandemic. Asks what is being done about inflation.
Putin returns to the question of foreign interference in Russian elections, which he forgot to answer earlier. Says "of course, there will be attempts," but Russia is able to effectively counter them. Says Russia must determine its own internal affairs itself. Russia will defend its sovereignty, while at the same time Russia is open to observers and criticism. Russia is "more open than any other country." Says U.S. bans foreign election observers, by contrast. Praises "public organizations" for participating in the election process. Says elections will be "open and transparent."
Next question is from REN-TV. Says there is controversy about the origin of the coronavirus and wants to know what Russia thinks of that. Putin says Russia has no evidence that the virus was artificially created or intentionally released. Says now is not the time to search for blame but to come together and help people who are suffering. Says barriers and sanctions should be lifted to combat the virus. Praises Russia's cooperation with other countries, particularly China.
Putin often uses his annual press conference to create the impression that he is cracking the whip over regional officials who are failing the people.
Putin says the government gave the regions "10 billion rubles" for PPE and first-response equipment and "5 billion" for free medicine for people who are treating themselves at home. Speaking of Ryazan Oblast, Putin says all the federal money for that region has been sent and promises to "look into" any problems there. "Of course, we are going to find out where the money is," Putin says. Says that governors are reporting to him that things are under control, but "judging by the number of complaints," something must be going on.
Next question is from a coronavirus medical volunteer, who says there have been problems with getting medicines and with long delays waiting for ambulances. Says medics in Murmansk and other regions are not being paid their promised bonuses. Says technical personnel who are also risking their lives are not getting any bonuses at all. Says her organization is ready to give Putin "a huge file" of complaints on these issues. Putin notes that he spoke with this woman "yesterday" about these topics.
- By Mike Eckel
Not sure about the latest statistics about "vaccine hesitancy" among Russians, but Putin takes his third question about health care to try to persuade (cajole? implore?) Russians to take the Sputnik-V coronavirus vaccine, now that it is being rolled out nationwide.
Recall: Putin announced, with great fanfare, in August that Russia was the first country in the world to approve a coronavirus vaccine -- an announcement that was met with skepticism outside of Russia.
Reportedly, one of Putin's daughters was among the first to have been vaccinated.
State media outlet quotes Putin as saying "old political heavyweights" should step aside. Commenter suggests that means he should show himself the door.
Putin tells everyone to closely follow the recommendations of specialists. Says that his turn to get a vaccine has not yet come and that he is a "law-abiding citizen," but that he will get a vaccine as soon as his turn comes up. Also tells people to get flu vaccines. Urges everyone to get the vaccine as soon as they can, saying the Russian vaccine is safe and effective.
Regarding assistance to other countries, Putin says the government's priority is to vaccinate everyone in Russia. Says Russia is expanding its capacity to produce the vaccine and while this is happening, Russia is helping other countries to produce the vaccine themselves.
Next question is from the call center in Novosibirsk. Question from Altaisky krai. Asks whether Putin has been vaccinated and how the vaccine will be distributed. Will there be enough doses for Russia if Russia is helping other countries?