President Vladimir Putin made a lighthearted remark about demonstrating a familiar gesture to those who doubted Russia’s stability and predicted the country’s collapse. The comment was reported by a state news outlet at the time of the event.
On February 2, during a forum in Tula, the head of state addressed attendees with the slogan “Everything for Victory!” He emphasized that the Russian economy has endured unprecedented sanctions from Western nations and continues to show resilience and ongoing development despite external pressures.
Putin acknowledged that many observers had forecast stagnation, decline, or retreat in the face of sanctions. He signaled a willingness to respond with a public gesture, though he refrained from doing so because the audience included many young women. The moment was framed as a symbolic message to critics that the country remains steadfast.
The president also spoke to workers and engineers in the defense-industrial complex, highlighting the role of Russian specialists in maintaining national security and supporting front-line operations during the ongoing special military operation in Ukraine. He praised their dedication to fulfilling homeland orders and ensuring that military personnel had what they needed to perform their duties.
Earlier, the Council of Ministers of the Russian Federation had acknowledged the country’s GDP growth for the year 2023, noting positive momentum in the broader economy despite external pressure.