WASHINGTON, December 20. /TASS/. Despite Western sanctions, the Russian economy has proved "extremely resilient" and the ruble has remained strong, The Washington Post reported on Tuesday.

While Russian President Vladimir Putin was pressed about rising inflation and the high cost of eggs in Russia during a recent call-in show, "the economy has proved extremely resilient," the newspaper wrote. "The ruble has remained strong, thanks to central bank intervention, and Russian companies have moved in to capitalize on the departure of international brands," WaPo said.

"Western aid for Ukraine [is] stalling in Washington and Brussels amid Kyiv’s failed counteroffensive," the newspaper added. The Russian president "is ending 2023 on a triumphant note," the article reads, as he expressed certainty that Russia would win a victory in the special military operation during the news conference and his Direct Line Q&A session last week.

According to WaPo, in recent weeks, Putin "even resumed international travel." On December 6, the Russian leader visited Abu Dhabi and Riyadh as he met with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud.