Russian President Vladimir Putin (R) speaks during his annual press conference in Moscow, Russia, Dec. 19, 2024. (Xinhua/Cao Yang)
MOSCOW, Dec. 19 (Xinhua) -- Russia's gross domestic product (GDP) is expected to grow by around 3.9 to 4 percent in 2024, Russian President Vladimir Putin said Thursday during his annual press conference.
The Russian president said that overall, the economic situation remains stable, despite external challenges.
"Last year, our economic growth was 3.6 percent, this year it will be 3.9 percent, maybe even 4 percent," he said.
Putin further said many economic indicators remain satisfactory, for example, the unemployment rate is currently at a record low of 2.3 percent.
He also admitted that inflation is currently at 9.2-9.3 percent, which continues to be "an alarming signal."
Putin held his annual press conference with a "Direct Line" question and answer session in Moscow on Thursday. Russians from across the country submitted their questions ahead of the event, which the president addressed along with those posed by journalists. ■
Russian President Vladimir Putin (R) speaks during his annual press conference in Moscow, Russia, Dec. 19, 2024. (Xinhua/Cao Yang)
Russian President Vladimir Putin speaks during his annual press conference in Moscow, Russia, Dec. 19, 2024. (Xinhua/Cao Yang)
Russian President Vladimir Putin (R) speaks during his annual press conference in Moscow, Russia, Dec. 19, 2024. (Xinhua/Bai Xueqi)
Russian President Vladimir Putin attends his annual press conference in Moscow, Russia, Dec. 19, 2024. (Xinhua/Bai Xueqi)
Russian President Vladimir Putin listens to a question from a journalist during his annual press conference in Moscow, Russia, Dec. 19, 2024. (Xinhua/Bai Xueqi)
Russian President Vladimir Putin (L) speaks during his annual press conference in Moscow, Russia, Dec. 19, 2024. (Xinhua/Cao Yang)
