Statements by Russian President Vladimir Putin at the plenary session of the "Motherland Calls" forum

On international economic relations:

- Western countries have proven themselves to be unreliable partners. The West's plans to reduce the standard of living of Russians and create an insurmountable shortage of goods in the Russian Federation have failed

- Russia has not kicked out Western businesses, and many companies from the US and Europe have not left: only a quarter of Western companies have left the Russian market.

- Russia will not create special conditions for Western companies that want to return to its market, but it will not hinder them either.

- The European economy is going through difficult times, and the severance of ties with Russia also plays a serious role.

- Russia is developing relations with China regardless of events in the Ukrainian direction, it is its long-standing partner.

- On the economic situation in Russia:

- The Central Bank and the government are pursuing a very balanced policy.

- Inflation in Russia is quite high, coordinated actions by the Government and the Central Bank are needed to solve the problem.

- The problem of youth unemployment in Russia has ceased to exist.

- By the end of the decade, the capitalization of the Russian stock market should approximately double and amount to 2/3 of GDP.

- The Russian economy will grow by 4% by the end of this year, and the eurozone - only by 1%.

- Russia invites investors from friendly countries to the Russian stock market.

- The Russian Federation will continue to strengthen the capital market, support companies entering the stock exchange.

- Russia continues to create infrastructure that should make digital payments more convenient for business, reduce costs.  The Russian Federation is already among the leaders in terms of the quality of the business climate.

- The digital ruble will be used in budget settlements from next year.