Russian President Vladimir Putin to host annual press conference!

Moscow: Russian President Vladimir Putin will hold his annual press conference on Thursday.

The Kremlin has said it will allow up to 500 domestic and international journalists to attend.

In 2020, only hand-picked reporters were admitted due to coronavirus restrictions, but the conference still lasted four and a half hours.

Many of the questions were asked online last year.

The event comes against the backdrop of weeks of international concern over reports that Russia is preparing to invade neighbouring Ukraine. Moscow rejects the accusations.

Putin is expected to comment on Russian proposals for binding security guarantees after Moscow recently submitted a draft agreement to NATO, the US and their allies. Negotiations are expected to start in January.

Traditionally, the once-a-year presser focuses on domestic politics, the economy and foreign policy.

Russians are increasingly dissatisfied with Putin's policies amid high prices and unemployment and low incomes. He has led the country as president or prime minister for more than 20 years, and casts himself as a caretaker promising solutions to the country's problems.

The coronavirus situation in Russia is also likely to be on the agenda. Russia has recorded more than 1,000 coronavirus deaths every day for weeks, according to official government statistics.

Just under 48 per cent of people in Russia are double vaccinated.