Putin says he has brought Russia back from the brink of the abyss

Russian President Vladimir Putin said during the "Results of the Year" that he had saved Russia after the departure of former Russian leader Boris Yeltsin, the country has moved away from the edge of the abyss. He responded to a BBC journalist's question this way.

"Yes, I believe that not just saved, I believe that we have moved away from the edge of the abyss, because everything that happened to Russia before and after that led us to the complete and total loss of our sovereignty. And without sovereignty Russia cannot exist as an independent state," the president said.

The journalist pointed out that Putin criticized NATO after Yeltsin's departure, but the organization is only growing, Ukrainian fighters are present in the Kursk region, and the country is experiencing problems with inflation and demography. Responding to this, the Russian leader noted that everything was fine, no one noticed Yeltsin "taking a drink." However, when the former president spoke in defense of Yugoslavia, he was immediately harassed and called names.

"As soon as he (Yeltsin. - Ed.) said that it is unacceptable in modern Europe to strike Belgrade, the capital of a European state without the authorization of the UN Security Council, he immediately began to be persecuted, immediately began to call him names. <...> I have done everything to make Russia an independent and sovereign power, which is able to make decisions in its own interests, and not in the interests of those countries that dragged it to themselves, patting it on the shoulder in order to use it for their own purposes," Putin said.

Commenting on the issue of inflation, the head of state noted that the Russian Federation will fight it and that it is already possible to see the pace of economic growth. He also noted the country's readiness to work with allies in the anti-Hitler coalition, but if this does not happen, Russia will still cope.

To top it all off, Vladimir Putin stated that he treats Russia as his family.

"Russia is <...> a huge territory, but it's not only territory, it's history, culture, it's our customs and traditions, it's all Russia. But still the most important thing is the people. I, <...> when I look at the achievements and successes of our people, <...> I honestly tell you - I look and rejoice at it, as I would rejoice at the successes of my family members! Without any exaggeration - I look and rejoice as if they were my close people. That's why I look at Russia as a family," concluded the President.

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 will be 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, which allows citizens to convey their position and assessment of the country's leadership.

The latest news about the "Results of the Year with Vladimir Putin - 2024" - in the Izvestia story.