Putin says that Russia has doping problems "just like other countries" and is working with WADA to resolve them. Says Russian prosecutors are investigating doping claims and will punish anyone found guilty. Regarding the whistle-blowers who reported on the alleged Russian doping program, Putin notes that she used to work in Canada and casts doubt on her story.
He calls it "unthinkable" that Russia had such a doping program.
Putin categorically denies that there was a government-organized doping program.
Next question is about sport and athletics. Has the situation regarding doping in the country gotten better in the face of dismissals of officials following the two damning WADA reports? Asks if the WADA reports were politically motivated.
Putin has now been answering questions for one hour.
Putin says that import substitution is already bearing fruit. Imports have been reduced in many areas, including light industry, chemicals, machine-building, construction equipment, the defense sector. Are seeing "serious structural improvements." Says Russian economy must be integrated with world economy in order to grow and that it will be.
Next question is about import substitution in the face of Western sanctions against Russia and Russian countersanctions against Western products. Asks if the government is going to reward enterprises that are developing import-substitution products. Mentions one firm that he says is investing in production and in rebuilding Russian Orthodox churches.
Putin, seemingly relishing the moment to comment on U.S. democracy and recent elections, says of U.S. Democratic Party, "If you lose, you need to lose with dignity."