In line with tradition, the President will answer questions from Russians regarding public and political affairs and the socioeconomic life of the nation, as well as international affairs.
As in previous years, Vladimir Putin will answer questions from the studio audience, as well as from people around the country, with whom the President will communicate via video linkup set up in various Russian cities. People can also call or text the call centre or send in short video messages.
For the first time this year, people can send in MMS messages to the Direct Line with Vladimir Putin to illustrate their point, making it more informative. Questions are welcome during the entire week leading up to the broadcast.
Vladimir Putin will answer the most interesting and relevant questions selected from those sent to the call centre and the website.
The call centre began its operation at 12 pm Moscow time on April 9, and will take calls until the end of the live session. Calls can be made from any part of Russia to the following toll-free number: 8 (800) 200 4040. Calls are free of charge from both mobile phones and landlines.
Questions to the President can also be posted online in the Ask a Question page on the website www.moskva-putinu.ru, or москва-путину.рф. People can also send in short video files using the same website or a special mobile application.
Mobile text and multimedia messages can be sent free of charge to the number 04040 from telephone numbers issued by Russian mobile operators. Questions should be written in Russian and contain no more than 70 characters.
Just as last year, the website and Russia’s Public Television (OTR) will provide sign language interpreting.