Putin holds first Direct Line since start of war

This year’s Direct Line call-in show with Russian President Vladimir Putin has begun in Moscow. Putin is due to answer questions from people around the country who call into the show apparently spontaneously. The event is for the first time being combined with Putin’s annual press conference. Neither event was held last year.

The organisers say they have received more than two million questions for the president. A recent poll by the Levada Centre found that the question most Russians would like to put to Putin is when the war in Ukraine will end. Families of conscripts in particular said that they would like the president to discuss demobilisation.

We will be bringing you updates and significant announcements from the Direct Line throughout the day.