Putin says Russian economy remains strong
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President Vladimir Putin has hailed the nation's economic performance.
Speaking Thursday in a televised call-in show with the nation, Putin said the nation's economic performance has remained strong, despite Western sanctions slapped on Russia over the Ukrainian crisis and a slump in global oil prices.
He noted a 3.7-percent increase in agricultural production and low unemployment, but acknowledged that an 11.4-percent annual inflation rate has put a strain on consumers' budget.
