Russian President Vladimir Putin said Russia would achieve its objectives in the war in Ukraine and “do everything for victory,” while acknowledging battlefield losses, inflation risks and the pressures facing the country.
Putin made the remarks at the Kremlin Palace while addressing lawmakers at the closing of the State Duma, the lower house of Russia’s parliament, ahead of elections scheduled for September.
He described the current period as difficult and decisive for Russia, saying the country was going through “a period of great struggle.”
“We are pursuing the goals set for the country carefully, persistently and steadily, and we will achieve them,” Putin said.
Putin said that despite developments over the past four years, Russia ranked as the world’s fourth-largest economy after China, the U.S. and India, and held first place in Europe.
He also said Russia was ahead of the European Union in terms of economic growth rates.
“But, of course, we would like to see more,” Putin said. “However, there are also risks — rising inflation and the related consequences. But today’s policies also have important advantages.”
He said those advantages were primarily reflected in the stability of Russia’s economic and financial systems.
Putin also emphasized the importance of industrial development, the defense industry and social policies in maintaining that stability.
