Vladimir Putin says "external factors" are to blame for Russia's ongoing economic crisis.
Overall, our correspondent in Moscow, Jake Rashbass, says Mr Putin has avoided calling the current situation a "crisis".
But during his annual end-of-the-year news conference on Thursday, he insisted Russia will be back on its feet by 2017 at the latest.
With the rouble having dropped dramatically this week, Mr Putin criticised the central bank for not acting sooner to stablize the currency, but says the government and central bank are now responding appropriately.
With the rouble having dropped dramatically this week, Mr Putin criticised the central bank for not acting sooner to stablize the currency, but says the government and central bank are now responding appropriately.
Overall, our correspondent in Moscow, Jake Rashbass, says Mr Putin has avoided calling the current situation a "crisis".
IN: Well, actually, before starting...
OUT: to happen now.
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