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Putin Says Sanctions On Russia Nothing To Do With Ukraine
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Putin Says Sanctions On Russia Nothing To Do With Ukraine

Live Blog: Putin Holding Televised Q&A

Russian President Vladimir Putin is hosting his annual question-and-answer show with the nation.

Final Summary

-- In his annual question-and-answer session with the public, Russian President Vladimir Putin said that Western sanctions are aimed at restraining Russia, asserting that Moscow's role in the crisis and conflict in Ukraine are only a pretext for the punitive measures imposed by the European Union, United States, and other nations.​

-- He said that "the Russian army is not in Ukraine," repeating Moscow's denial that it has sent troops to aid pro-Russian rebels.

-- Putin highlighted the recent rise of Russia's ruble currency, which has gained more than 20 percent in 2015 after a steep decline last year. He also touted high oil production figures and a good harvest. He said Russians are living longer and death rates decreasing.

-- Putin linked his decision to lift a ban on supplying Iran with surface-to-air S-300 missiles with what he said was Tehran's demonstrated desire to resolve a yearslong dispute over its nuclear program, which Western nations fear is aimed at developing nuclear weapons.

-- Putin took on comparisons that suggest parallels between the reigns of Adolf Hitler and Josef Stalin, saying that "Nazism and Stalinism cannot be put on the same desk...because the Nazis directly, openly, and publicly announced as one of their goals the annihilation of concrete ethnic groups -- Jews, Gypsies, Slavs."

-- He described the killing of opposition leader Boris Nemtsov as "tragic and shameful" and praised investigators for identifying and arresting five suspects days after Nemstov was gunned down steps from the Kremlin on February 27.

-- Putin said his country will never be a "vassal" of the United States. He said there are "superpowers" that "consider themselves the only center of power in the world."

Putin: This year we've increased subsides for loans to agricultural producers. Lists other measures as well. As for why it doesn't reach you, we have to look at your region specifically. We will see what else we can do and "we'll talk to your governor."

British farmer John says he respects Putin a lot, but is struggling with dairy farm. Says he shouldn't trust statistics his advisors give him.

Putin: We of course believe the statistics, but will do more to help you (also asks, how did you get here?).

Here's our story on John Kopiski, the farmer challenging Putin.

British Farmer Embraces Russian Nationalism
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Lawyer for Ukrainian pilot Nadia Savchenko jokes that Snowden seems to look different this year.

Farmer says "we're not talking about markets...we want to be closer to consumers...cities could provide us with kiosks."

Putin on lifting ban of S-300 missile sales to Iran. Seems to blame Medvedev for original ban.

Putin: In 2010 Medvedev suspended a deal agreed to in 2006. But Iranians have demonstrated flexibility so we have decided to make this decision. Sanctions don't include military weapons like S-300s. Suspending the sales earlier was a goodwill gesture on our part.

On Israel: This is not a threat to Israel -- this is defensive, not offensive equipment.

(Israel says the S-300s will allow Iran to protect nuclear sites from air strikes. Putin announced the lifting of the ban on Monday)

Putin says perhaps the government should help such people, but aid shouldn't be higher than those who take it out in rubles.

Anchor steps up in mortgage-takers defense. Says some banks don't give loans in rubles.

An angry commuter

Aleksei: You promised to set the commuter train schedule in order, but it never happened in our area. Our commuter train was cancelled a year ago. How can young people live in the village if there are no trains?

Putin: My only answer is that I agree with you. It's "completely unacceptable." We'll dig deeper into details. But commuter transportation is a loss-making enterprise. The whole infrastructure was raised. Regions were not able to pay. Of course I was angry. No one had made a forecast for that or analyzed the unintended consequences. I will definitely look into this.

Putin on wether Boris should buy Elena a dog

Putin: Military men are real heroes but sometimes they don't understand the better sex. That said I can't tell your husband what to do. Maybe we can work out an action plan. Perhaps we can ask Boris together, in a friendly way. On the other hand Elena may say, "I'll do what you say, my husband" and he'll surprise her with an elephant and a fur coat.

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