Moscow: Russian President Vladimir Putin said that Russia's GDP grew by 1% in 2025, noting that this slowdown was expected and intentional as part of measures aimed at curbing inflation.

According to Qatar News Agency, during his first meeting on economic issues for 2026, President Putin added, "This is lower than the dynamics observed earlier, as we are well aware: in 2023 and 2024, growth was 4.1 percent and 4.3 percent, respectively, but we also know that this slowdown was connected with targeted measures to reduce inflation."

He pointed to a slight acceleration in inflation at the beginning of this year, with the annual rate reaching 6.4% by January 26, 2026.

He emphasized that this period would be short-lived, and that by the end of the year, inflation should fall back to around 5%.

The Russian president outlined the priorities for economic work in the next phase, stressing the need to restore national economic growth rates, improve the business climate, increase investment activity, raise labor productivity, and implement the 2030 plan.