Russian dictator Vladimir Putin, speaking about the state of the Russian economy at a meeting with government officials, first openly recognized the problems caused by Western sanctions. According to the Center for Combating Misinformation (CPD), Putin mentioned "difficulties and imbalances" in the economic sector, recognizing that sanction pressure leads to serious difficulties for Russia.
Trying to maintain confidence, he at the same time stated the "increase of economic potential" of the country. Putin referred to official statistics, which, according to the CPD, can be far from the real situation.
Experts see this statement change the Kremlin's rhetoric. Putin, who previously denied the effectiveness of Western sanctions, is now forced to speak of their influence. This, according to analysts, shows that the Russian authorities losing control of the economic situation and prepares society for its further deterioration.
Such statements may aim to translate responsibility for economic problems into Western countries by imposing sanctions. At the same time, the Russians hint that these difficulties are only the beginning and that the situation in the economy may soon become more exacerbated.
