Putin says nuclear war must be considered impossible since it would lead to the destruction of the planet. Says the growing danger of war is caused by the collapse of the international arms-control regime. Begins by mentioning U.S. withdrawal from the ABM treaty. Brags about the great weapons systems that Russia "was forced" to develop. Insists Russia is trying to maintain parity. Then he mentions U.S. threats to withdraw from the INF treaty. Says these things are bad for all of humanity. Putin also mentions a "tendency" to reduce the threshold for use of nuclear weapons, including the development of tactical nuclear weapons. Also says it is important not to use ballistic missiles for nonnuclear purposes, which could trigger a nuclear war. Says that discussing such things is dangerous and moves away from common sense.
Those following the Putin presser on Twitter are not all convinced on the Russian leader's optimistic predictions, like this one, that consumer prices will rise a bit next year before, Putin says, falling.
Question from state Channel One television. Says "in our Soviet childhood" we were afraid of nuclear war. Now we are again hearing such fears again. How do you feel about that?
Roman Dobrokhotov, editor of The Insider, says "honored" to be only journalist not allowed into the Putin press conference. Tells Ekho Moskvy
Says no reason given for his not being admitted.
Next journalist from RIA Novosti notes that the budget is projected to be in the black this year and asks if maybe taxes are too high -- noting raised VAT and other taxes and fees. Putin admits that Russia is primarily an energy exporter and gets most of its revenues from export of oil and gas. Again emphasizes the "global" financial crisis to explain high levels of spending in past years. Says VAT was lower than rates in "many countries," and was raised to their levels while maintaining subsidies for medicines, children's goods, and other products. Putin then talks about the need to conduct policy to keep inflation down and says that "in general" the government's policies have been appropriate and balanced.
Next question from a journalist in Volgograd. He begins by noting that the city celebrated the anniversary of the battle of Stalingrad this year. Asks about the fate of a local military academy and Putin says he'll ask the Defense Ministry about it.
In response, Putin begins by talking about the 2008 global financial crisis and the "ups and downs" of the economy in recent years. Then says he is counting on the national projects to reorient the whole economy and create new avenues for development. Says government is predicting GDP growth around 3 percent for the next few years. Once again states the goal of becoming the world's fifth-largest economy and moving into a "new league" economically.
Navalny takes issue with Putin's claim that wages are growing for Russians. Says state stats show in fact negative wage growth.
Second question comes from state Rossiya television. Cites former Finance Minister Kudrin as saying the economy has been stagnating. Asks what is the basis for Putin's hopes that the economy can make a "breakthrough." And is he satisfied with the team of Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev?