Putin's 'Direct Line' call-in show allows ordinary Russians to ask the president to solve issues ranging from leaky plumbing to economic hardship, while the news conference presents a rare opportunity for invited journalists to put questions directly to the Russian leader.
Last month, however, the Kremlin announced that it would hold the two events simultaneously 'in a combined format.' One motive, given the election scheduled for March, appeared to be to showcase Putin's fifth campaign for president, which he is expected to win easily because the Kremlin controls all major media outlets, has jailed opponents, and has severely punished any anti-regime dissent.
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