MOSCOW, January 1. /TASS/. Russian businesses have been quick to "immediately intercept" the niches vacated by the Western companies, President Vladimir Putin said at a meeting with military servicemen at the Vishnevsky hospital.

"Everyone thought that some enterprises would grind to a halt because they stopped getting components. Nothing of the sort. Everything is possible. Yes, problems were created. But, nevertheless, they are being overcome. Small and medium-sized businesses, among others, are working effectively. Some foreign enterprises have gone. Our businesses immediately took over," Putin said.