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Russian president and government to summarize year results

December was marked by a critical situation in the economy, provoked by a sharp decline in oil prices, the effect of sanctions of the West against Russia and the dramatic ruble devaluation

Russian President Vladimir Putin Artem Korotaev/TASS

Russian President Vladimir Putin

© Artem Korotaev/TASS

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MOSCOW, December 25. /TASS/. Issues of Russia’s socio-economic development and assessment of the short-term tasks are put on the agenda of Thursday’s final government meeting of the year. It will be traditionally held with the participation of President Vladimir Putin. The Kremlin press service reported it will be this year’s last meeting in this format.

December was marked by a critical situation in the economy, provoked by a sharp decline in oil prices, the effect of sanctions of the West against Russia and the dramatic ruble devaluation. It is the government jointly with the Central Bank that had to urgently work out a package of measures to stabilize the economic situation.

The president says that the Central Bank and government are taking adequate measures, but they could work more promptly. In particular, at his recent annual big news conference, Putin told the government members they should realize they need to assume responsibility for taking preventive measures. The president says that strengthening of the Russian economy foundations will also ensure priority settlement of social issues.

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