MOSCOW (AP) — Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday opened his marathon news conference and call-in show, an annual event he has used to reinforce his authority.

Putin's comments will be closely watched for signs of any shifts in his position on Ukraine, where the fighting nears its three-year mark.

Putin could also comment on the downfall of Syrian President Bashar Assad, who he has offered political asylum.

The event, which is broadcast live by state-controlled TV stations across Russia's 11 time zones, has been heavily dominated by domestic issues in the past years. Most journalists and ordinary people calling into the studio ask about road repairs, utility prices, house maintenance, medical services, government subsidies for families and other economic and social issues.