The chairwoman of the Russian Senate, Valentina Matvienko, told reporters on Tuesday that the speech would set out answers to a number of challenges facing the world.
"This will be a message for a new age," she said. "But at the same time, as always, current issues will be addressed, focuses will be defined and direct instructions will be given." Matvienko added that "in the current difficult environment facing the world, which comes with many obstacles for countries including Russia," the address would become "the most important political and public event."
Putin is due to speak to the national parliament, encompassing both the Senate and its lower house, the State Duma, on April 21. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov revealed on Monday that the annual message would be delivered in person, amid a relaxing of social distancing rules governing workplaces across the country. "The rest of the details are being worked out," he added.
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