LIVE: Vladimir Putin's Annual Big Press Conference Kicks Off

The President of Russia has commenced his 17th annual big press conference. Specifically, it is expected that Vladimir Putin will answer questions regarding the pandemic situation, the country's socio-economic development, domestic policies, and international relations.

Earlier, it was reported that journalists attending the conference will be treated with silver particles at the entrance of Moscow's Manege. According to TASS, this was stated by the press secretary of the Presidential Affairs Manager Elena Krilova, who emphasized that this is one of the measures taken against the backdrop of the pandemic.

Krilova clarified that “a unique device has been installed there, which will treat all journalists coming to the press conference with silver (silver particles).”