Security has confiscated food, drinks and electronic cigarettes from those participating in the press conference. Responding to complaints, security are saying that this year “everything is very serious.”
Here we go, the first question.
President Vladimir Putin says he won't make a statement and that "we'll get straight down to work." First question goes to Radio Mayak about the state of the economy.
Putin says GDP fell 3.7 percent in 2015 and only about 0.6 percent in 2016, indicating the economy is recovering. Notes growth in machine-building, agriculture, and other sectors. "Dynamic is very good."
Putin says best inflation rate in recent years was 6.1 percent in 2011, but that this year will "definitely" be less than 6 percent.
Putin says budget deficit will be 3.7 percent in 2016, a little more than in 2015. Russia has a positive trade balance and has maintained its currency reserves (about $100 billion), he said. Hard currency reserves grew in 2016.
Members of the National Liberation Movement (NOD), an ultranationalist, pro-Kremlin group, are present.
Russian state broadcaster RT said this ahead of the presser today:
Putin will also speak on the US election results and his cautious optimism towards a possible rapprochement between Moscow and Washington. Earlier, Putin said he sees US President-elect Donald Trump in a positive light, stressing that Russia is ready to restore ties.
Trump himself has signalled that he wants dialogue as well, praising Putin as an influential and powerful leader.