Putin speaks on love, life and drowning rivals

Vladimir Putin has held his annual question and answer session with the Russian public, answering questions on the economy, international politics and even his love life.

The marathon phone-in with the Russian President lasted more than three hours and was broadcast to an audience of millions.

Questions ranged from the mundane – why are the roads and potholes so bad? – to more intriguing queries about which one of his rivals he would rescue first if they were drowning.

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Here are some of the things we learnt about the Russian leader this year:

He's single – for now

Details of Putin's love life have always been a closely guarded secret, with the Russian media wary of reporting on his private matters. He shocked the public by divorcing Lyudmila Putina, his wife of 30 years, in 2014 and rumours of affairs have swirled ever since.

Seeking answers, one woman asked when he was planning to introduce the country's next first lady. "A visibly uncomfortable Putin avoided giving a direct answer, saying he believed Russians were more interested in his performance as president than they were in his private life," says Reuters. But he did go on to hint that "maybe one day I will be able to satisfy your curiosity".

He is a feminist

"Is it possible for a woman to be the president of Russia?" one young girl asked. "Because my dad says only Putin can handle America." Putin told her that a president's main job wasn't dealing with foreign countries, but focusing on issues such as healthcare and employment. "A woman might handle these issues better than anybody," he replied, with a smile.

He thinks Obama is a decent guy

Despite simmering tensions with Washington, Putin called US President Barack Obama a "decent man" for admitting his mistakes over military intervention in Libya. "Putin said he was speaking sincerely without any irony because to make such admissions is not easy, while adding that 'only a strong-minded person' such as Obama could take such steps," RT reports.

He was coy about drowning rivals

One of the more interesting questions came from a 12-year-old girl, who asked who Putin would save first if they were drowning: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan or Ukrainian leader Petro Poroshenko. "If someone has decided to drown, it's probably already impossible to save them anyway," the President replied. "Though, of course, we are ready to reach out a helping hand to any of our partners, if they want it."

He's optimistic about the economy

Putin downplayed the country's economic woes, which have been largely triggered by plummeting oil prices and international sanctions in response to the crisis in Ukraine. Despite the fact that the country has plunged into recession, the President predicted the economy would start growing again next year. "The situation has not improved, but the trend is positive," he told the country.