Putin's statement is made at a Russian economic forum held in the Russian city of St. Petersburg.
Some specialists and experts point to the risk of (economic) stagnation and even recession, said Putin on Friday in a rather unusual warning about the situation for the Russian state finances.
Marked slowdown
Russia's economy has shown a marked slowdown in recent months, and the first three months of the year have seen the lowest growth since 2023. The Kremlin has explained that the slowdown is due to the increased costs of the Russian invasion war in Ukraine.
Putin's response to the problem is to demand action from those responsible for the Russian economy within the public administration.
We must seek a competent, thoughtful policy regarding budget, taxes, and monetary policy, said Putin.
Does not rule out taking Sumy
On Friday, the Russian president also says that he "does not rule out" that his forces will take control of the Ukrainian northeastern city of Sumy as part of creating a buffer zone along the border. The city is located about three miles from the Russian border and has been subjected to many attacks since Russia launched its invasion in February 2022.
We have no goal of taking Sumy, but in principle, I do not rule it out. They pose a constant threat to us and constantly bombard the border areas, said Putin.
The threat from Putin receives a direct response from Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andrij Sybiga:
"Putin's cynical statement shows his complete disregard for the American peace efforts", writes Sybiga on X.
"The only way to force Russia to peace is to deprive the country of its sense of impunity", continues Sybiga.
Russia usually refers to the annually recurring economic meeting in St. Petersburg as an international economic forum, but no official representatives from the Western world participate in the meeting.
