Live Blog: Putin Addresses the Nation

-- In his annual address to a joint session of parliament and the government in the Kremlin, Russian President Vladimir Putin has said the country is ready to overcome the difficulties and problems it is facing.

-- Putin praised improvements in high-tech medical services around the country, but said that "problems in health care remain."

-- Putin said domestic issues, including lack of competition, were not the main problem hampering the country's economy. He also said the government will provide direct assistance to industrial sectors that need it.

* NOTE: Times are given according to local time in Moscow (GMT/UTC +3)