“We will strive and, of course, remain an important part of the world economy as a whole. However, in critical areas, of course, it would be better if we were independent, because self-sufficiency is the basis of sovereignty,” Putin noted.

Putin pointed out that, in the case of digital independence, Moscow has achieved several breakthroughs lately and is ready to share its best practices and experience with each of the member states in the EEU, and the Commonwealth of Independent States.

Regarding the conflict in Ukraine, the Russian head of Government stressed that the Ukrainian army began its counteroffensive, but they have not fulfilled their goals in any of the combat zones.

“Although we still lack advanced armaments, the defense industry, the military-industrial complex of Russia is developing rapidly, and I am confident that all the challenges posing the defense industry will certainly be solved,” Putin remarked.

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