- By Carl Schreck
More on Dobrokhotov-gate: state-run TASS cites source with press-conference organizers as saying that it's typical that a small number of journalists aren't allowed to attend due to "information from law-enforcement authorities" obtained by the Federal Protection Service.
Putin's spokesman, Dmitry Peskov, says 99.9 percent of journalists who were accredited are allowed inside, and that others are turned away "based on security concerns," TASS reports.
Dobrokhotov replies: "Putin is afraid of 0.1 percent of journalists."
Putin discusses conflicts between the United States and Japan regarding the U.S. military base on Okinawa. Putin says Russia is concerned about the placement of U.S. missile-defense in Japan and says Moscow does not consider this a defensive system. "We have no illusions," he said. "We understand what is going on." Nonetheless, Russia is trying to negotiate a peace treaty with Japan because the current situation is "not normal." Says economic ties are improving, but "regularization" is badly needed by both countries.
Next question from a journalist from Japan (with excellent Russian!). Asks about the negotiations on a treaty to end World War II between Russia and Japan. What new ideas can Putin suggest to move bilateral relations forward? Also asks about possible U.S. missile-defense systems in Japan.
Next question from Interfax. Asks why the state is getting involved in "unnecessary" conflicts with rappers. Asks if he isn't worried about losing the support of young people. Putin praises young people, including young "volunteers," scholars, and soldiers. "But you have to respect your own country," including when you are on the Internet, Putin says. Talks about propaganda of drugs and suicide among young people on the Internet and says this can't be allowed because it leads to the "degradation" of the nation.
- By Luke Allnutt
The Ukrainian journalist who asked the question is called Roman Tsymbalyuk. Every year, he asks a question about the war in Ukraine.
Putin talks about the "suffering" of eastern Ukraine and criticizes the "blockade" of the separatist regions. Says Russia is providing "humanitarian aid" to the people of the region and will continue to do so. Criticizes Kyiv's supposed attempt to resolve "political questions" by force. "We want peace and prosperity across all of Ukraine, including Donbas," Putin says. Talks about "natural" economic relations between the two countries and repeats claims that Poroshenko is ignoring the interests of his own people.
Next question is from a Ukrainian journalist (after Putin makes him promise not to make a scandal). Asks how much Russia is spending to support the separatist formations in eastern Ukraine. And about possible exchange of prisoners between Ukraine and Russia. Asks about the prospects of direct talks between Poroshenko and Putin.
Takes a question from an Izvestia reporter about the fate of the Ukrainian sailors detained recently in the Kerch Strait. Asks if Ukraine's "provocation" wasn't a success because Russia detained them. Putin thanks the reporter for recognizing that the conflict in the Kerch Strait was a "provocation." Then says that provocations are bad. Repeats claims that Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko did it in order to improve his popularity ahead of the presidential election. Claims he is sacrificing Ukraine's national interests for his own. Says Poroshenko was willing to let some of his sailors die.