Moscow - SANA
Russian President Vladimir Putin affirmed that his country would not hesitate to respond to any hostile steps targeting it, but it would take utmost restraint towards attempts to harm them.
In his annual speech today to the Russian Federal Assembly, Putin said: We do not want to burn bridges with anyone, but if the need arises, the response will be equal, swift and strict ... Those who have organized any provocations against Russia will regret deeply and will determine the red lines ourselves.
Putin indicated that the world is accustomed to illegal sanctions and some are trying to impose their will on others, stressing that Russia will defend its interests within the framework of international law and call again for its partners to discuss issues of strategic weapons.
Regarding domestic affairs, the Russian president stressed that increasing citizens' income and reducing unemployment rates is a major goal of the government, pointing out that there are difficulties in the country's economy due to the Corona epidemic and said: We understand the blow the epidemic has caused and the damage it has caused through numbers and how much it has exacerbated the problems of social inequality and poverty.
Putin asked the Russian government to prepare a set of proposals, including on reducing taxes and providing loans to support small and medium-sized companies, stressing the need to provide facilities for companies that export non-primary products, including removing all restrictions imposed on foreign exchange controls for exporters, starting from next July.
