Russian President Vladimir Putin said that his country is currently the largest economy in Europe, despite being subjected to pressure from every direction, indicating that the growth of the Russian economy by the end of 2023 may be higher than the expected rate of 3.5%.
Putin’s statement came today, Thursday, during a meeting with businessmen in the city of Khabarovsk, in the far east of Russia, while commenting on his country’s economic performance.
The Russian President expressed his belief that the Russian Central Bank will reduce the interest rate over time, which currently stands at 16%. He added, “I believe that the current interest rate is temporary, and will change when the issues related to inflation are resolved. The bank’s move in general aims to combat inflation, and I believe that we will achieve the goal.”
Putin noted that foreign countries are putting pressure on Russia, and said, “It seems that they are trying to strangle us from every side, and we are under pressure. However, we are the largest economy in Europe. We have left Germany behind and risen to fifth place in the world,” after both the United States. China, Japan and India.
He stated that Russia was ahead of all of Europe in terms of purchasing power index, while continuing efforts to raise the per capita share of national income.
On February 24, 2022, Russia launched a military operation in Ukraine, followed by angry Western reactions and the imposition of “severe” economic and financial sanctions on Moscow.
