Putin: Russia developing, economy growing, and this is against backdrop of unprecedented sanctions

MOSCOW. Dec 16 (Interfax) - Russia is confident and developing despite attempts of brutal pressure on it made by the ruling elites of certain countries, Russian President Vladimir Putin said.

"Russia is developing, its economy is growing, and this is happening against the backdrop of literally unprecedented sanctions in history and a brutal interference and pressure by the ruling elites of certain countries. But no blackmail and external attempts to hinder us will ever yield anything," Putin said at the United Russia party's congress on Saturday.

"Russia is confident, it is conscious of its righteousness and its strength, and this is why all objectives set for the short and long term will certainly be met," he said.