Russian President Vladimir Putin is delivering his annual address to the Federal Assembly at Moscow’s Manege Central Exhibition Hall.
Putin has said he has been certain all along the pandemic-related trials will be overcome successfully. "Naturally, there was great anxiety, but I, personally, also had firm belief that we will definitely overcome all challenges. Our citizens, society, the state acted responsibly and in solidarity, together we were able to take proactive steps," Putin said.
"Our scientists have made a real breakthrough, and now, Russia has three reliable coronavirus vaccines. This and many other accomplishments in recent years directly show the growing scientific and technical potential of our country," the president said.
He noted that COVID-19 has not been defeated yet and still poses a direct threat, which is why there is a need to abide by the necessary preventive measures to stop the infection from spreading. "The coronavirus has not been completely defeated yet and still poses a direct threat. We can see dramatic developments in many countries, where the number of cases is growing. We need to keep all areas under control in order to reduce the spread of the virus, both along our borders and inside the country," Putin pointed out.
The Russian president has called on the public to get vaccinated against COVID-19 in order to attain herd immunity by this autumn. "I appeal to all the Russian citizens - get vaccinated," Putin said.
Russia's president said that the health care systems in many developed countries "have not been able to ward off the pandemic's impact as effectively as Russia".
Putin said the main goal of the government is to ensure the growth of real incomes of the Russian population. "The most important thing right now is, of course, ensuring the growth of real incomes of the public. Restoring it and guaranteeing its further growth, and achieving tangible changes in the fight against poverty," he stressed.
According to the Russian State Statistics Service, the number of Russians with incomes below the subsistence level decreased in Q4 2020 to 13.5 mln, thereby consisting of 9.2% of the total population. In total, according to the preliminary results of 2020, there are 17.8 mln people living in poverty in Russia (12.1%).
"Our strategy is to again achieve a sustainable population growth, and ensure that average life expectancy in Russia will total 78 by 2030," the president revealed.
According to Russia's president, the country's government will promote private investment to support the creation of new jobs.
Environmental protection is a key issue right now, Putin says, urging to reduce air emissions in the 12 largest industrial centres by 20%.
"Beginning from July 1, children aged from 8-16 raised by single parents will be assigned a monthly stipend. Its average amount will be 5,650 rubles ($74)," the Russian president explained.
According to Putin, school-age children raised by two parents will receive support totaling 10,000 rubles each in one payment in mid-August.
Meanwhile, financially struggling pregnant women in Russia will be monthly allocated some 6,350 rubles, according to the president's proposal.
The 20-percent refund program for citizens’ expenses on trips across Russia, could be extended until the end of 2021, the Russian President said. "In order to ensure that as many people as possible can improve their health at vacation centers and resorts, I propose extending the program, which envisages refunding 20% of expenses on trips across Russia, until the end of the year," the head of state announced.
"We need new comprehensive approaches to energy, including new solutions in nuclear power generation, in such prospective areas as hydrogen energy and energy storage," the president said.
Russia needs to respond to challenges "posed by the climate change," Putin added: "We have to adapt our agricultural sector, industrial complex, public services and all the infrastructure. Create the CO2 recycling industry, aim for the reduction in greenhouse gas emissions through tough control and monitoring."
Moscow will find "asymmetric," speedy and tough ways to defend its national interests if other nations refuse dialogue, Putin said. The president's remarks come amid a new round of tensions between Russia and the West, including fresh sanctions against Moscow by Washington and mutual recriminations over the escalating civil conflict in Ukraine.
Putin said that spiritual and moral values, which some countries are beginning to forget about, only make the Russian people stronger. He noted that throughout history, the people of Russia had triumphed over their trials and tribulations thanks to their unity.
"And today, family, friendship, mutual assistance, and compassion have come to the fore for us. Spiritual and moral values, which some countries are forgetting about, have, on the contrary, made us stronger, and we will always uphold and protect these values," Putin pledged.
He noted that, during the pandemic, the solidarity of Russia’s residents had manifested itself in specific deeds, such as taking care of loved ones, and people's willingness to help those in need. Millions of people became volunteers, and the We Are Together national campaign has brought together individuals from all walks of life, the Russian president noted.
Putin added that the service of representatives of traditional religions had become "the spiritual backbone of society, as it always was in difficult times." That said, the head of state addressed the clergy present in the hall, "I would like to take a deep bow before you all. Thank you very much."
Advanced weaponry in Russia’s nuclear triad that comprises strategic aircraft, intercontinental ballistic missiles and nuclear-powered missile-carrying submarines will top 88% this year, Vladimir Putin said. "The share of advanced weapons and hardware in the troops will make up almost 76% by 2024. This is a very good figure. In the nuclear triad, it will exceed 88% already this year," Putin said.
The State of the Nation Address is the president’s annual public speech before both houses of the parliament, which assesses the current state of affairs and outlines the nation’s key areas of domestic and foreign policies.
This year, the format of the event had to be changed due to the coronavirus pandemic. As a rule, the ceremony is attended by about 1,000 guests. Among them are lawmakers and senators, cabinet members and presidential administration officials, chief judges of the Constitutional and Supreme courts, governors and heads of Russian regions, and senior clerics. This year, the Kremlin did not disclose the number of those invited to attend. All visitors will have to submit several certificates proving they have a negative COVID-19 status.
The current message will be the 27th in the recent history of Russia and the 17th for Putin. Putin’s previous State of the Nation Address took place on January 15, 2020.
