He thanks the millions of Russians who worked to get the country through the pandemic. Reminds everyone that he visited a Moscow coronavirus hospital back in the early days of the pandemic "to feel for myself" what was happening.
Putin praises Russian scientists for developing three vaccines against the novel coronavirus.
Praises law enforcement, military, and security forces for preserving Russia's security during the pandemic. Praises teachers, parents, and students for continuing their work. Says Russia's cultural life also continued through the pandemic thanks to new technologies. Praises the "solidarity of the people." Praises Russia's "traditional religions" for supporting the country in the crisis. Says Russia's moral and cultural values were strengthened by the crisis.
For the Russian speakers here, you can get more insights and analysis by following along with RFE/RL's Russian Service blog here.
As President Putin kicked off his speech, the number of people registered to take part in the nationwide "Free Navalny" protests being held later in the evening to put pressure on the Kremlin to release jailed opposition leader Aleksei Navalny from prison stood at 466,101.
Members of Navalny's team originally said they would announce the fresh rallies once 500,000 people had registered, but plans changed due to Navalny's failing health amid his third week of a hunger strike.
Putin turns his attention to Russia's demographic problems. Says "preserving the Russian people" is the government's highest priority. Admits that life expectancy has fallen during the pandemic but pledges to overcome this difficulty. Says Russians must remain vigilant about the virus and follow the recommendations of doctors and the government.
Urges all Russians to get a vaccine and help develop "collective immunity."
- By Mike Eckel
Demographics has long been a major issue for Russia, but it hasn't necessarily gotten the urgent attention that many experts say is needed.
Interestingly, Putin makes reference to the demographic crisis the country faces early in his speech, calling it "dire."
Here's more background reading on the problem.
Says Health Ministry and others must turn their attention to dealing with the long-term health effects of COVID-19, especially heart and lung problems that could affect life expectancy. "This is a danger to the health of the nation."