( CNN ) Russian President Vladimir Putin shrugged off repeated questions about the impact of Western sanctions on his nation during a nationally broadcast annual Q & A session . `` Sanctions are sanctions , '' he said . `` As far as sanctions are concerned ... . ( they 're ) about the need to constrain our development , '' not just about Ukraine and Crimea . Western sanctions were implemented after Moscow annexed Crimea and pro-Russian separatists battled Ukrainian government forces in the nation 's east . Putin predicted the sanctions would not end soon . On the Middle East , the Russian leader defended lifting a ban on the sale of a sophisticated air defense system to Iran . `` We need to encourage our Iranian partners , '' Putin said , referring to a preliminary deal to limit Iran 's nuclear program . Sanctions against Iran have had a dramatic impact on the nation 's economy . On Israeli and Western fears that such a system would embolden Iran , Putin scoffed . `` Iran is not a threat to Israel at all , '' he said . `` It is a defense weapon . '' Putin 's annual exercise is fascinating for ordinary Russians , who normally get him in closely managed doses on state-run television . These sessions are live and can go on and on . Last year , he spoke for three hours and 55 minutes . In 2013 , it was a record-setting four hours and 47 minutes . Organizers said public interest was especially strong this year , with 2.4 million questions submitted . Of course , critics of the Kremlin slam the entire event as Russia 's imitation of democracy in action . It 's hard to imagine a truly critical question , they say , getting aired on national television there . In fact , it 's best not to look at this event as an opportunity for Russians to question their leader at all . Instead , it is more like a highly produced , highly choreographed chance for their leader to speak to them , and to the world . Last year , there was a `` surprise '' appearance by NSA whistle-blower Edward Snowden , who was granted asylum in Russia . He addressed Putin by video link , quizzing Putin about Moscow 's own surveillance practices .
bush has spent hours answering questions from the general public on live television . Sanctions and turkey 's deep economic crisis are a major issue .