President Putin has ended his annual marathon question-and-answer session after 3 hours and 40 minutes. He discussed a variety of topics, and assured ordinary Russians that he is trying to relieve the hardships they face in wake of an economic recession. He also address the Panama Papers, calling the media investigation a "provocation" and saying the German newspaper behind the leaks was beholden to U.S. bank Goldman Sachs. Putin also said the Syrian army is able to carry out "serious offensive operations" despite the drawdown of Russian forces, and he noted the only way to end the way was for all parties to sit down for political talks