Russian President Vladimir Putin delivers state of the nation address - in pictures

  • Russian President Vladimir Putin gives his annual address to the Federal Assembly in Moscow. Reuters
    Russian President Vladimir Putin gives his annual address to the Federal Assembly in Moscow. Reuters
  • He used his speech to accuse the West of playing a dirty game over Ukraine. Reuters
    He used his speech to accuse the West of playing a dirty game over Ukraine. Reuters
  • The televised address reached millions of homes in Russia. EPA
    The televised address reached millions of homes in Russia. EPA
  • It was even broadcast on large outdoor screens such as this one in Moscow. AFP
    It was even broadcast on large outdoor screens such as this one in Moscow. AFP
  • Mr Putin strides on to the stage. Reuters
    Mr Putin strides on to the stage. Reuters
  • He claimed Russia wanted to solve the conflict in Ukraine peacefully but western countries had conspired to prepare a 'different scenario'. AFP
    He claimed Russia wanted to solve the conflict in Ukraine peacefully but western countries had conspired to prepare a 'different scenario'. AFP
  • People gather for the state of the nation speech at Gostiny Dvor conference centre in Moscow. EPA
    People gather for the state of the nation speech at Gostiny Dvor conference centre in Moscow. EPA
  • Police officers block the streets outside the Gostiny Dvor venue. AFP
    Police officers block the streets outside the Gostiny Dvor venue. AFP