Putin Set to Participate in Annual Press Conference in Moscow

(MENAFN) Russian leader Vladimir Putin prepares to address the nation Friday during his yearly marathon press event in Moscow, as peace negotiations between warring parties gain unexpected momentum.

The combined question-and-answer session and media briefing, known as Direct Line, kicks off at noon local time (0900GMT) at Gostiny Dvor near the iconic Red Square.

Putin has hosted the format nearly every year starting in 2001, skipping only three occasions—2004, 2012, and notably 2022, when Russian forces launched their military operation in Ukraine.

The Russian president will field inquiries from citizens across the nation alongside domestic and international reporters.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed Tuesday that journalists from various countries will participate: "Of course, there will be some from friendly countries and some who continue to work here from unfriendly countries … They will have the opportunity to ask questions just like everyone else."

Observers anticipate the session will address pressing internal matters and international affairs, particularly US-facilitated discussions aimed at resolving the Ukraine conflict.

Peace-focused diplomatic exchanges targeting a settlement framework for the nearly four-year war have intensified since November, with meetings convened in Switzerland and America.

Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced Thursday that fresh discussions with American officials are scheduled for Friday and Saturday on US soil, while Peskov subsequently revealed Moscow is arranging "relevant contacts" with Washington regarding an updated US-drafted peace blueprint circulated during the past fortnight.

Initial deliberations centered on a 28-point draft document that allegedly demands substantial Ukrainian compromises, including acknowledging Russian sovereignty over occupied regions, capping military forces, and renouncing NATO membership aspirations.

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