The annual address is meant to define important issues, such as the country's future development plan and foreign policy. This year's address focused on health, livelihood, domestic policies, the economy, national security and international affairs.
Russia's measures to deal with COVID-19
Putin began by praising the effective measures taken in Russia to contain the epidemic.
Acknowledging the global spread of the COVID-19 pandemic as an unprecedented and direct threat to people's life, Putin thanked medical workers for their dedication in the fight as well as the public's understanding and compliance to control measures.
The Russian president highlighted the importance of scientific work on COVID-19 vaccine development and called on every Russian to "get vaccinated" in order to achieve herd immunity by autumn.
"Everyone must have the opportunity to be vaccinated, as this will allow for so-called collective immunity to be developed in the autumn. A solution to this problem lies in our and your hands, in the hands of all citizens. I once again address all Russian citizens with the call: get vaccinated," said Putin.
Noting that the pandemic also exposes loopholes in Russian's medical system, Putin called for reform in the system with deep integration of modern technologies to improve efficiency.
Climate change commitment
Regarding climate change, the Russian president said the country is committed to cutting greenhouse gas emissions over the next 30 years.
"We must respond to the challenges of climate change, create a carbon recycling industry," he noted, urging concrete action to protect the environment.
Along with the commitment, Putin also reiterated Russian's position on environmental protection by underlining that the country cannot develop its economy at the sacrifice of the environment.
