Putin’s speech at Russia’s ruling party congress: As it happened

United Russia actively supports the president and his activities, despite him not officially being a member Russian President Vladimir Putin has delivered an address at the United Russia congress in Moscow, insisting that Russia won’t give up on the principle of popular rule despite the most difficult circumstances, and hold elections throughout the country next month.

The high-profile gathering in the capital was aimed at approving the ruling party’s program for the parliamentary vote on September 8-12.

Putin had already spoken at the first stage of the United Russia congress in late June, during which its candidate list, topped by Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Moscow Mayor Sergey Sobyanin, was finalized.

The president is not officially a member of United Russia, but the party has actively supported him and his activities since its foundation in 2001.

United Russia currently holds 315 out of 450 seats in the Russian legislature, the State Duma.

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