Putin called sovereignty an important component for any country

Russian President Vladimir Putin during the "Results of the Year" program December 19, commenting on the economic situation in Germany, said that sovereignty is an important thing that is projected onto the economy.

He noted that there used to be economic growth in Germany, but now the situation has changed. As an example, the president cited a situation when German politician Gerhard Schroeder invited him to his birthday party. The Russian leader noted that then one of the Kuban groups performed a song in German. Representatives of the choir learned the song out of respect for the nation.

"I said to a colleague with whom I was at this event, who is now remembered: 'You know, sovereignty is a very important thing, it must be inside, in the heart,'" the Russian leader said, noting that in the post-war years, the German people have had this sense of their homeland and sovereignty etched in them.

Putin noted that in Europe they try to smooth and polish something, but all this affects the country's economy as well.

"Here I was talking about the growth of our economy. To a large extent, this is the result of the strengthening of sovereignty, including that projected on the economy. Many manufacturers have left our market. <...> Our entrepreneurs began to produce these goods themselves. This brought to life the need to involve some research, institutions, including development institutions, and all this, and we are talking about it, is all about strengthening technological sovereignty," the Russian leader added.

As Vladimir Putin noted, sovereignty is different: defense, technological, scientific, educational and cultural. He added that it is especially important for the Russian Federation, because the loss of sovereignty will result in the loss of statehood. Strengthening sovereignty is the result of economic growth, he concluded.

On the essence of cases: over 1.6 million questions received on a direct line with Putin

In what format it will be held this time and what citizens are most concerned about

The direct line with Vladimir Putin in 2024 is combined with a press conference for the media. The format called "Results of the Year with Vladimir Putin" allows the president to convey his position not only on citizens' issues, but also on the state and world agenda, which is often asked by journalists. Representatives of Western media and foreign journalists accredited in Russia have also received invitations to the events.

As of the morning of December 19, the number of requests sent to the direct line with the president exceeded 2 million. The first live broadcast was held in December 2001. By the president's own admission, this event is the most powerful sociological poll that allows citizens to convey their position and assessment of the country's leadership.