MOSCOW (Sputnik) – Russian President Vladimir Putin will answer questions from the public during his traditional live Q&A session on Thursday, April 14.
The special annual program dubbed "Direct Line with Vladimir Putin" starts at noon Moscow time (09:00 GMT).
"As in past years, not only those invited to the studio will have a chance to put questions to the President, but also people throughout Russia. Mr Putin will speak with citizens during a series of direct linkups with various Russian cities," the presidential website noted.
In addition to phone lines, Russian citizens could send text messages, record brief video questions, and submit queries online via websites or smartphone applications throughout the week in the run-up to Thursday. Live video call-ins would be available for the first time this year as well.
Russian broadcasters Channel One, Rossiya 1, Rossiya 24, as well as radio stations Mayak, Vesti FM and Radio Rossii will transmit the Direct Line, according to the presidential website.
"He promptly requests the information he needs both from the presidential administration expert departments and members of the cabinet. As a rule, these days everyone is trying to stay close to the phone because the president is very actively inquiring everyone," Peskov told reporters Wednesday.
Analyzing received questions, Peskov observed general support for Putin's foreign policy initiatives, and noted that the Russian population shared concerns with the rising prices instead of the ruble exchange rate.
Among the more curious requests, Peskov said, was to institute the post of animal protection commissioner.
Thursday's Direct Line will be Putin’s 14th Q&A session.
