SOCHI, November 7. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin's speech at the plenary session of the Valdai International Discussion Club lasted about an hour, twice as long as last year.

Afterwards, the head of state will answer questions from the club's participants.

On average, the plenary session of the Valdai International Discussion Club, including Putin's speech and answering questions, lasts about three hours. Last year, it lasted 3 hours and 41 minutes, just shy of the record set in 2021, when the head of state spoke to Valdai participants for 3 hours and 43 minutes.