At just under the four-hour mark, it’s announced that Putin is scheduled to meet ‘Heroes of Russia’ at the Kremlin at 4pm, so proceedings must be brought to a close.

Putin closes by wishing everyone all the best for the new year and holiday season, and thanks the media for their work.

A question comes from Kazakhstan about cooperation with Russia.

Putin notes digital technology cooperation is as important as other areas such as energy.

We’re now well over three and a half hours in, and some participants appear to lack the president’s stamina…

• 12:40 GMT

  A participant from the Far Eastern city of Vladivostok asks Putin about the development of the region, including the distribution of free land.

  Putin laments the abuse of the scheme by some, but says things are being “put in order” in the Far East regarding criminality in general. He also promises to look into the situation with a local sports center – showing a typical attention to detail.

• 12:35 GMT

  Putin asks for another question on children.

  A journalist from Grozny thanks Putin for his help in rescuing children who have been taken to conflict zones.

  “Should children and mothers be given the chance to return to normal?” the journalist asks.

  “[Chechen leader] Ramzan Kadyrov has taken the right approach in this respect,” Putin says. “These children and women should be welcomed back.”

  12:30 GMT

  The next question is about abortion in Russia. “Is the government willing to help the pro-life movement?” Putin is asked.

  “I’m grateful for you to ask about this, it’s important,” Putin says. “I’ll repeat what I said at a recent meeting. As far as abortions, in most modern countries today, it is up to the woman to make this decision.

  “If there was a total ban, we’d eventually have a criminal trade in this – women would go abroad, there would be illegal abortions… it does immense damage to women’s health, so we have to be careful.

  “We are willing to support pregnant women, of course,” Putin adds.

  The president then lists new plans for benefits for families with children and maternity benefits.

  News Source: RT | Sputnik Image