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