Matviyenko calls for 'using one's brain;' thinking how to mobilize additional resources under sanctions

MOSCOW. March 2 (Interfax) - Federation Council Speaker Valentina Matviyenko has called for "using one's brain" and thinking how to counter these restrictions and prevent a price hike in Russia under sanctions.

"Given the unprecedented sanctions on Russia, the most important thing to do is to encourage everyone to use their brains, to analyze everything that is hindering business, private initiative, entrepreneurs, and small- and medium-sized businesses, to use every capacity that we have, including national potential, and to do no harm. We need to prevent panic and organize a calm thinking process on how to counter the pressure of sanctions and what additional resources and capacities to use," Matviyenko said at a Federation Council meeting on Wednesday.

"Certain unscrupulous businessmen, those who care about nothing but profit," must not be allowed to take advantage of the situation, she said.

"All businesses should be nationally [focused] and help strengthen and develop the economy and prevent a hike of prices on food, vital drugs and, of course, building materials," Matviyenko said.