ST PETERSBURG, December 8. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Monday new external challenges gave a powerful impetus to Russia’s scientific and technological development.

“Under the existing circumstances, there is an evident positive sign: a powerful impetus was given to Russia’s scientific and technological development,” Putin said at a session of the Council for Science and Education.

The situation fully confirms the right actions towards strengthening the potential of Russia’s science. “Basic knowledge and scientific achievements are the most important resources of the country’s development. It is necessary to use them effectively,” he said.

Due to the new challenges, international scientific cooperation has undergone changes. “I mean restrictions on the handover of modern technology,” Putin said.

“This is not very good, but this plays into our hands in any way,” he said.