Mr Putin replied to questions from Russian and foreign Internet users online for the first time. In all, he received 20,000 questions, but was only able to answer 20 most interesting questions, from the point of view of the project’s organisers, during his 60-minute interview.
The online conference was broadcast from a specialised studio in the Kremlin. Hosts representing Strana.ru and Gazeta.ru online publications and BBC World Service chose the subjects. Moreover, Mr Putin selected questions appearing on his computer screen. The questions focused on Russian domestic policy, freedom of speech, the future of economic reforms and the development of democracy, the missile defence system, as well as relations with the United States and the European Union. President Putin was also asked about his family, sports activities, favourite cultural activities and his attitude towards the Internet.