Macroeconomic indicators prove Russian economy commendably withstanding impact of sanctions - Putin

SOCHI. May 23 (Interfax) - The Russian economy has been commendably withstanding the impact of sanctions, Russian President Vladimir Putin said.

"The Russian economy has been withstanding the impact of sanctions, and it has been doing so in a rather commendable way," Putin said at the beginning of his meeting with Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko.

"This is proven by every major macroeconomic indicator," Putin said.

He admitted, at the same time, "Everything is not easy, everything that happens requires special attention and special efforts from the economic unit of the government."

"On the whole, these efforts have had a positive effect," Putin said.

The shift to national currencies in trade with Russian partners "has brought results," he said.

This is not being done "to the detriment of our partners, as we are fulfilling all of our obligations," Putin said.

He noted that he agreed on a separate meeting with Lukashenko at the recent summit of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO).

"The circumstances require a serious, profound discussion," Putin said, adding that he implied the discussion would be regarding the security of both countries as well as economic matters.