Russia's economic slowdown in 2025 in line with expectations: Putin

Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Tuesday that Russia's gross domestic product grew by one percent in 2025, which was in line with expectations.

Speaking at an economic meeting in Moscow, Putin said the country's economic growth rate in 2025 was lower than the 4.1 percent recorded in 2023 and 4.3 percent in 2024, attributing the slowdown to deliberate government measures designed to contain inflation.

Putin added that Russia's inflation rate fell to 5.6 percent in 2025 from 9.5 percent the previous year. He projected that the country's inflation rate is on track to drop to five percent this year.

He noted that Russia must restore economic growth momentum, improve business climate, and boost investment activity with a focus on raising labor productivity.

Russia's economic slowdown in 2025 in line with expectations: Putin

Russia's economic slowdown in 2025 in line with expectations: Putin

The China Coast Guard (CCG) said it conducted a law-enforcement patrol in waters east of China's Taiwan Island Monday in response to Japan and the Philippines' unilateral announcement of maritime delimitation talks in the area.

The move by Japan and the Philippines seriously infringes upon China's territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests, and the patrol was a necessary action taken against it, said Jiang Lue, a spokesperson for the CCG.

"We urge Japan and the Philippines to immediately cease all illegal actions that undermine China's sovereignty, rights and interests," Jiang said.

The CCG will continue to strengthen control over relevant waters and take measures to safeguard China's territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests, the spokesperson added.

China Coast Guard patrols waters east of Taiwan Island amid Japan-Philippines delimitation talks