Russian President Vladimir Putin has stated his expectation that Western sanctions against Moscow will intensify, and he emphasized the need for Russia to prepare for potential acts of sabotage targeting vital infrastructure. Speaking during a meeting with the heads of economic departments, Putin acknowledged that Russia's economy has been developing steadily despite Western pressure. He cited positive indicators such as a 2.8 percent increase in GDP for the first nine months of the year compared to the same period in the previous year, a 7.5 percent growth in real wages, and a low unemployment rate at 3 percent.
However, Putin cautioned that the West may resort to more aggressive measures as the potential for further sanctions is depleted. He referred to proposals by some Western politicians to ban the import of seemingly innocuous items like screwdrivers and needles into Russia. Putin's response to this was somewhat dismissive, emphasizing the need for reduced imports.
Additionally, Putin expressed concern about potential acts of sabotage targeting critical infrastructure, such as pipelines, power plants, and communication networks. He stressed the importance of effective coordination between the government and the Bank of Russia to address inflation, which he identified as one of the main risks to the economy.
The President urged support for business investments in production, technology, and human development, stating that these measures are crucial for ensuring Russia's long-term growth and economic sovereignty.
(With Agency Inputs)
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