In what has become a yearly tradition, Vladimir Putin took questions from Russians in an hours-long, wide-ranging call-in show that touched on the conflict in Ukraine, the murder of Kremlin critic Boris Nemtsov, Russia's sale of missiles to Iran and the price of milk.
Putin flatly denied that there are Russian soldiers fighting covertly in Ukraine, despite numerous eyewitness reports to the contrary.
"There are no Russia troops fighting in Ukraine," he said.
'There are no Russia troops fighting in Ukraine' - Putin— The Interpreter (@Interpreter_Mag) April 16, 2015
Putin: I will tell you openly and straightly. There are no Russian troops in Ukraine.— Shaun Walker (@shaunwalker7) April 16, 2015
He also blamed the West for deteriorating diplomatic relations.
#Putin: It wasn't us who spoiled the relations w/ west. 1st step for normalization of relations is "respect for Russia"— Courtney Weaver (@courtneymoscow) April 16, 2015
Anna Nemtsova, a Moscow-based reporter, tweeted that when asked about the murder of Nemtsov, Putin said he didn't know if authorities would be able to find those behind the assassination.
Today Q:is there Russian military in Ukraine? Putin A: No. Q:Are we going to ever find out who ordered Nemtsov murder? Putin A: I don't know— Anna Nemtsova (@annanemtsova) April 16, 2015
On #Nemtsov, #Putin says he doesn't know whether Russian authorities will find those who ordered the killing or if such people even exist.— Christopher Miller (@ChristopherJM) April 16, 2015
#Putin calls Nemtsov murder "tragic and shameful" "[Nemtsov] was sharply critical of government, and me - but we had friendly relations"— Courtney Weaver (@courtneymoscow) April 16, 2015
Putin stayed upbeat when talking about the economy, saying that the ruble was back on track and that the economy was recovering, despite international sanctions. However, a caller -- a dairy farmer introduced as "John, a Russian citizen" -- seemed more skeptical.
"You say everything is going well -- sorry, that's not true," he said, according to the BBC. "I have five children... I need some assurance about their future in Russia. Do you believe the statistics or are they lying?"
Putin acknowledged that weak prices on milk were a challenge and promised to increase subsidies for farmers.
When asked about a controversial plan to export missiles to Iran that could possibly reach Israel, Putin said Iran had shown "a desire to reach compromise" and that the particular missiles wouldn't be a threat to Israel as they are "a defensive weapon."
While the call-in show has the appearance of not being scripted, the questions were submitted in advance and clearly vetted by the Kremlin to avoid criticism and controversial topics.
Theoretically, live call-in with president is great. But it always takes on this "appeal-to-the-tsar-for-help" vibe pic.twitter.com/ExQy3QK1hY— Alec Luhn (@ASLuhn) April 16, 2015
Last year's call-in show lasted almost four hours and included a surprise appearance from Edward Snowden.
For viewers whose attention might flag, an online Russian-language newspaper created Putin bingo. As the Guardian reported, key words included 'Nemtsov,' 'Crimea' and 'sanctions.'
Готовимся! pic.twitter.com/I7isel2dtr— Meduza Project (@meduzaproject) April 15, 2015