Highlights from Putin's yearly press conference

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Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday held his end-of-year press conference, taking questions from Russian and foreign journalists.

Here are some highlights:

On re-election bid

Putin said he'll run as an independent candidate in the 2018 election but he does need support from political parties.

He made the remarks after a journalist asked him about the aim for the next presidential campaign.

The president said Russia's political environment needs to be competitive and he's worked to achieve a balanced political system.

Putin declined to discuss the details of his election program during today's press conference.

Russian President Vladimir Putin arrives for his annual year-end press conference in Moscow. /CFP Photo

On the economy

The Russian president said the development of infrastructure, healthcare, education and technology is his priority.

Putin said Russia's economy is growing, with inflation and the deficit down. The inflation rate is at its lowest in modern history, he said.

Sanctions did not have as much of an impact as the falling oil price, but they were still felt, he said.

On arm reduction treaty

Putin said Russia will not "quit anything" when asked about whether the new START treaty will survive.

"We will take care of our security without entering into any arms race," Putin said.

New START (Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty) is a nuclear arms reduction treaty between the US and Russia signed in Prague in 2010.

Russian President Vladimir Putin speaks during his annual end-of-year news conference in Moscow, Russia, December 14, 2017. /Reuters Photo

On Olympics and 2018 World Cup

Putin said that Russia would cooperate with the World Anti-Doping Agency and the International Olympic Committee over the accusation over Russian athletes’ doping, but he would defend their interests in courts.

"How will we build up relations with WADA and the IOC? I hope constructively, we will calmly work with them, removing those problems we do have," he said.

"But of course working to defend the interests of our athletes, including in civil courts."

"I know that many international officials don't want that, but what can we do? We will be forced to help our athletes to stand up for their honor and dignity in civil courts."

Putin also expressed confidence that Russia will have everything ready to host the 2018 soccer World Cup based on its past experience in holding major sports events.

"I am sure that everything will be up to standard and on time," he said.

Zabivaka, the official mascot for the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia at the opening ceremony of the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia official store on December 12, 2017, in Moscow, Russia. /CFP Photo

On Russia-US relations

“There are a lot of things which can unite Russia and the USA,” Putin said in regards to the relations between the two countries, adding that they share joint challenges, such as terrorism, environmental problems, and crises in different regions of the world, like in the Middle East and the DPRK.

He also said that it is obvious that Trump is not able to improve ties with Russia due to certain restrictions.

"It's not for me to evaluate the president's work. This needs to be done by the voter, the American people," he said, adding the growing American market shows how investors trust "what he [Trump] is doing in his field."

Russian President Vladimir Putin shakes hands with US President Donald Trump during their bilateral meeting at the G20 summit in Hamburg, Germany, July 7, 2017./CFP Photo

On China-Russia ties

Putin stressed the significance of China-Russia relations and said cooperation with China is "beyond any political agenda."

He also extended his support of Chinese involvements in Russia's major projects and said Russia is willing to take part in broader cooperation in Asia.

"China is part of some major projects in the Arctic. We've just launched the first stage of the Yamal gas project. China is a major investor," Putin said, "We have another great project on high-speed transit. We support high-speed transit from China to Europe via Russia."

He also said the strategic partnership between the two countries will remain and last for a long period of time regardless of next year's presidential election.

A general view of the LNG plant in Sabetta sea port at Yamal peninsula in Siberia, Russia./CFP Photo

This year's marathon presser is Putin's 13th since he first took office as president in 2000. It is a significant public appearance for the president after he announced that he will seek re-election in March 2018.

5800km