In a video link from Tyumensk Oblast, locals complain that an industrial chicken farm has spoiled their drinking water. They show plastic bottles full of dirty water. Putin says that "millions" of Russians do not have access to clean drinking water and this is a major problem. Then punts the question to Tyumen Oblast Governor Aleksandr Moor, who gives a speech about how they are rebuilding the water-supply system. When the system is finished, Moor says, everyone will have clean water. Putin tells him to work faster.
- By Carl Schreck
Going back to Putin's suggestion earlier in the show that authorities might look at making the spread of fake news a criminal offense, it's worth noting that Putin himself cited a notorious hoax about MH17 in his 2015 interview with U.S. filmmaker Oliver Stone.
Here's our investigation from last year showing the hoax was spread by a Spanish ex-con purporting to be an air-traffic controller named Carlos working at a Kyiv airport when MH17 was shot down.
On U.S. sanctions:
"Dialogue is always good, it is always needed. And certainly, if the U.S. side is ready for such a dialogue, we have said it already, that we are ready for that. President Trump's initiatives to have such a dialogue have been always hindered by his political rivals. Now, the U.S. president is obstructed by his election campaign."
Next question is about prospects for peace in Syria and Putin says there will be an agreement because so many countries in the region and beyond have a strong interest in ending the conflict.
Another female student asks Putin how many flights he takes each year and whether he would let a woman fly his planes. Putin says he has spent "several months" in airplanes since becoming president in 2000.
Now they go to a correspondent at an military-aviation school in Krasnodar. They show a jet-fighter trainer and a group of "charming girls" who are studying there. One of the "girl students" thanks Putin for the opportunity to be a pilot and asks whether women will be allowed to become fighter pilots instead of just transport pilots. Putin praises the "girl's" braid and says he thinks there should be fewer restrictions on female pilots, but they shouldn't be allowed to fly ground-support aircraft because of the heavy physical demands on the pilots. Says he will discuss the issue with specialists.
Next question is a video from a guy in Moscow who asks why Russian television shows new military weapons so often and what enemy Russia is getting ready to fight. Putin notes the old expression that "whoever doesn't feed his own army ends up feeding someone else's." Then Putin notes that U.S. military expenditures are much greater than Russia's. Says Russia is in seventh place globally in military expenditures. He says Russia is the only major power that is reducing military spending. He says that "despite its modest spending," Russia is staying several steps ahead of its potential adversaries. He says this is why people should be proud of their country.
Moderator asks about a recent New York Times report that the U.S. could launch cyberattacks against Russia's electricity system. Putin says he isn't sure if the report is real or not. Putin notes that Russia has called on the U.S. many times to enter into talks on cyberconflicts, but the U.S. doesn't do anything. Putin said the government is working to keep all Russia's vital systems safe.
Yevgeny Grabchak, who is under personal sanctions by the United States, asks whether Putin will meet with Trump at the G20 summit and, if so, will such a meeting improve relations. "Dialogue is always good," Putin said. Putin says that if the U.S. wants dialogue, Russia is prepared. Putin says that domestic politics in the United States can prevent Trump from "making positive steps" in relations. Says the "American establishment is playing with U.S.-Russia relations." "As soon as our colleagues are ready, we are ready," Putin said, saying there is plenty to talk about including nuclear arms and economic relations. Says sanctions against Russia were "a big mistake" on the U.S. part.