America News Agency

Putin pointed out that economic growth last year exceeded expectations, saying, "We still believed that Russia's GDP had increased by 3.5 percent; the latest data show 3.6 percent. This is above the world average."

Putin also stated that the positive dynamics of the real sector and the reliable performance of businesses contribute to the stability of public finances. "The positive dynamics of the real sector and the reliable performance of businesses also contribute to the stability of public finances. Last year, the federal budget deficit was 1.9 percent. In January, the federal budget deficit amounted to 308 billion rubles," he said.