MOSCOW, February 17. /TASS/. The contribution of Russian business to the budget for the needs of the country, which is being discussed now, is voluntary, but entrepreneurs should be aware of the current realities and needs of the state, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on Friday.

"The key word is voluntary [contribution], but, of course, the interaction between the country's leadership and business, and the government and the business sector, is a two-way street. Therefore, of course, it is necessary that both sides, although we are all on the same side nonetheless, were clearly aware of the realities that we live in today and the needs the country has," the Kremlin spokesman said, answering a question about how the authorities would treat businesses that do not want to pitch in with a contribution.

Peskov added that the government is working with businesses on the initiative of a voluntary contribution to the budget for the country's needs.

"This practice is quite common around the world, and this practice was used in various countries at different periods. At the government level, contacts with business representatives continue, negotiations are underway, all the details are being discussed," he said.

Earlier, Russia's finance chief, Anton Siluanov, said that his ministry was working on amendments to the tax legislation that will allow large businesses to make a contribution to the budget. According to him, such a measure is expected to attract about 300 billion rubles ($4 bln).