Putin announces completion of recovery stage of Russia's economy

MOSCOW. Sept 18 (Interfax) - The recovery stage of Russia's economy has ended, President Vladimir Putin said in a statement.

"In general, we can say that the stage of recovery of the Russian economy is complete. We have withstood absolutely unprecedented external pressure, the sanctions onslaught of some ruling elites in the so-called Western bloc, several ruling elites in separate countries that we call unfriendly," Putin said at a meeting on matters to form the federal budget for 2024 and to plan for 2025 and 2026.

Putin noted that Russia's GDP had reached the level of 2021.

"It is important now to create conditions for further stable and long-term development," Putin emphasized.