Russian President Vladimir Putin fielded many questions at his annual news conference. But amid the weighty queries from reporters about the fighting in Ukraine and other domestic issues, there also were the odd and lighter moments.

Ordinary Russians got the chance to question their leader at his year-end call-in show, with queries focused on an end to the Ukraine war and boosting the economy.

Russian President Vladimir Putin’s annual marathon press conference is perhaps best summarized as a mashup of a municipal board meeting and geopolitical talkfest.