Putin held a meeting on economic issues. The main thing

Russian President Vladimir Putin convened a meeting on economic issues on March 23. During it, the head of state cited statistics and set the task to return to the trajectory of sustainable economic growth. The main statements of the Russian leader are in the material of Izvestia.

About the statistics of 2026

During the meeting, the Russian President drew attention to the negative dynamics of the main macro indicators, adding that this was not unusual.

"In January of this year, Russia's gross domestic product was 2.1% lower than a year ago. Industrial production decreased by 0.8%. However, mining increased by 0.5%, this was even before the increase in energy prices in the world," Putin said.

He also recalled what experts say about the so—called calendar factor in January 2026, as there were fewer working days this year than last year.

"It is necessary to return to the trajectory of sustainable economic growth, of course, with a slowdown in inflation, I will also say this now, and maintaining stability in the labor market. At first glance, these are multidirectional things, but we talked about the need to strive for just such a result, which is difficult, of course, but we must strive for it," the head of state said.

He also added that unemployment remained at a low level of 2.2% in January, consumer spending is growing, and inflation has settled below 6% in annual terms.

The Russian leader added that it is necessary to improve the employment structure and ensure the influx of personnel into high-tech industries, where high added value is generated.

About the economic situation in the world

Putin pointed out that for an effective macroeconomic policy, it is important to take into account all significant factors and respond in advance to external risks that are now acutely manifested in global markets and in the system of international economic relations.

"I am referring to the general tension in the world and the related fluctuations in energy markets, and the same thing is happening for many other goods. We are well aware of this. There are many goods and product groups in the chain of everything related to energy," he said, recalling his words. that Russian oil and gas companies should think about channeling additional revenues from the growth of global hydrocarbon prices to reduce their debt burden and repay debts owed to domestic banks.

Putin said that in terms of the federal budget, it is also necessary to make informed decisions on conjunctural revenues in order to ensure the long-term balance of the country's main financial document.