MOSCOW, December 7. /TASS/. Western investors have a "shadow presence" in Russia, and there is communication with them despite all the noise from Western politicians, President Vladimir Putin said speaking at the VTB forum "Russia Calling!"

"As for investors, they, unlike those who command them, are smart people - they have a shadow presence here, I assure you," the Russian leader said.

He expressed hope that it would be possible to communicate with them directly on a personal level. "But contacts continue, to tell you the truth," Putin said.

The head of state lamented that investors from Western countries are not allowed to cooperate with Russia.

"At the political level, all these creaks and decisions hinder our work. But in the end, in my opinion, common sense will prevail sooner or later. This is how I feel about it," Putin concluded.