18 December 2014:President Vladimir Putin is holding his end-of-year news conference amid a growing economic crisis in Russia.
The annual event, which lasted more than four hours last year, is being broadcast live on Russian television.
It is expected to be dominated by debate over the rouble, with Russia’s national currency struggling to cope with falling oil prices and sanctions.
The Kremlin leader is also expected to take questions on Ukraine and on Russia’s relations with the West.
”Goods have clearly been flying off the shelves here,” reports Sarah Rainsford
Sanctions
The BBC’s Steven Rosenberg in Moscow says Russians will be paying close attention to what their president has to say about the economy.
Although the rouble strengthened on Thursday morning, it has taken a battering in recent days and Russia remains on the verge of recession, our correspondent adds.
The currency hit an all-time low on Tuesday, prompting Russia’s central bank to reassure banks and financial companies that it would provide additional capital if necessary.
Source : BBC News
