MOSCOW, December 7. /TASS/. Working with Russia and within Russia was profitable, is profitable now, and will be profitable in the future, Russian President Vladimir Putin said at the VTB Investment Forum "Russia Calling!"

"You know, you can use loud slogans and threats at us as much as you like, but, in the end, this is the business of some Western politicians who intend to cancel Russia. But all this hype cannot cancel one true fact - working with Russia and in Russia is profitable. It was profitable, it is profitable now, and will be profitable in the future," Putin said.

He also noted that Russia is ahead of all leading EU countries in terms of economic growth rates. "Russia is the largest economy in Europe and in terms of growth rates it is now ahead of all the leading countries of the European Union," he said.