Putin convenes govt meeting to discuss sanctions imposed on Russia by 'empire of lies'

MOSCOW. Feb 28 (Interfax) - Russian President Vladimir Putin held a meeting with members of the government and the presidential office on Monday to discuss economic issues related to the sanctions that have been imposed on Russia.

"I've invited you here in order to talk about issues related to the economy and finances. Mikhail Vladimirovich [Mishustin, Russian prime minister] and I have discussed the matter tentatively, certainly bearing in mind the sanctions that the so-called Western community, this empire of lies as I called it in my presentation, is currently trying to put into practice with regard to our country," Putin said when opening the meeting.