Ukraine war latest: Putin scraps major annual news conference; Kremlin remarks ‘hint at Moscow’s current aims’ | World News

Vladimir Putin watchers will be very familiar with his traditional end of year news conference.

The Russian president’s annual fixture has normally involved him speaking for hours on end.

It may, therefore, be of some relief to anyone who might otherwise have been asked to endure his marathon public appearance to learn that it will not take place this year.

According to Russia’s TASS news agency, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters that the event would not take place until the new year – but insisted the leader would find another opportunity to talk to journalists in the meantime.

“As for the eannual news conference, yes, there won’t be one before the New Year, but we expect that the president will still find an opportunity to talk to [reporters], as he does regularly, including during his foreign visits,” Mr Peskov said.

At the same time, the Kremlin spokesman did not discuss the possible date of the head of state’s address to the Federal Assembly. “We will inform you in due time,” he said.