About 500 Russian and 200 foreign journalists were allowed at the news conference. The President’s replies were simultaneously translated into seven languages.
The Russian President replied to questions for more than two hours and the news conference was twice prolonged. In all, 36 journalists out of the nearly 700 accredited at the news conference asked their questions.
Journalists from Russian regions asked the largest number of questions (19), followed by representatives of the federal media (9) and foreign journalists (8).
The President explained in detail his position on the most relevant issues of Russia’s foreign and domestic policy and on international issues.
The President’s most recent meeting with journalists was the second in such a format. Vladimir Putin’s first large news conference was held on July 18, 2001.