SOCHI, May 23. /TASS/. The Russian economy withstands the sanctions blow with dignity and despite all difficulties, Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Monday at a meeting with Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko.

"Despite all difficulties, I would like to note that the Russian economy is withstanding the impact of sanctions rather well. All main macroeconomic indicators show this," Putin said.

The economic situation in Russia requires special efforts of the country’s authorities, Putin added. "All that is happening requires special attention of the government’s economic block, special efforts, and overall, I want to stress, those efforts produce a positive effect," he said.

This particularly influences trade turnover between Russia and Belarus, he added. "Last year, we have reached a record level, almost $38.5 bln," Putin said.

He recalled that he had recently met with Lukashenko in Moscow and agreed to hold a separate meeting in Sochi. "Circumstances require such serious, deep discussion. I mean everything related to regional security issues, our countries’ security, and everything related to the economy," Putin concluded.