MOSCOW (Sputnik) — The president added that Russians were united despite any difficulties, that they understood the roots of the problems and were ready to work for their solution.
"People have united, and we see it, we must thank our citizens, patriotic values have united people… The readiness to work for Russia, the sincere heartfelt care for it, that is what is in the core of this unity," Putin said during his annual address to the Russian parliament.
Russia will continue developing institutes of democracy and political system in general, he said.
"I believe that the course aimed at developing political system and institutions of direct democracy to enhance the competitiveness of the elections is absolutely justified, we are definitely going to continue it."
