Russia risks loss of sovereignty. If it falls behind, young people will go off to other, more developed countries.
"The coming years will be decisive for the future of the country," Putin says. First reference to presidential election. "Every Russian must understand what is happening in the world and what challenges we face."
Putin says he has stabilized the macroeconomic indicators and now it is possible to move forward with modernization and reform.
Putin says Russia's greatness is its people and the "creativity of each individual."
He says we must not allow "stability" to become "complacency."
Putin says he maintained the unity of the country and its democratic path through major economic and social changes.
Putin says the "significance of our every choice, every step" is extremely great.
Vladimir Ryzhkov, a prominent opposition figure: “Here is my prediction. Putin will promise to sign and implement new good decrees. Instead of the old and obsolete decrees. The ones that haven’t been implemented.”
Russian President Vladimir Putin is entering the hall for his annual address to the Federal Assembly.