President Vladimir Putin on Thursday called on Russia's billionaires and business elite to invest in new technology, production facilities and enterprises to help Russia overcome what he said were Western attempts to destroy its economy.
Putin said Russia had so far defied those Western attempts, and that Western firms that had decided to stay in Russia rather than flee in a corporate exodus last year had made a smart decision.
Speaking to the country's leading business figures, Putin said companies had a responsibility to do business at home and help foster a competitive business environment inside Russia.
