Kudrin predicted a gradual softening of sanctions

The head of the Center for Strategic Development Alexei Kudrin expects a gradual mitigation of Western sanctions against Russia in 2017. As TASS reports, he made such a forecast following the results of the meeting as part of the Valdai discussion club.

“The business community and political communities of countries want to gradually reduce these sanctions. We see this in the European version. I assumed that the sanctions even at the end of this year would begin to decline, according to all my estimates and conversations with Western politicians. Maybe this year it will not happen, but so far my optimism is preserved in relation to the next year, ”Kudrin said.

According to Kudrin, "Russia bears significant costs due to sanctions." They cost the Russian economy in 0.8-1% of the incorpected GDP growth per year.

On October 16, President Vladimir Putin said that the sanctions had Russia to benefit. According to him. The introduction of counter -sanctions that limited the import of products from Western countries was beneficial to Russia. TO

“We did it where it was profitable for us to do it,” he said, adding that Russia does not plan to introduce new counter -sanctions. “We will not do anything only to punish someone and punish ourselves. Buy a ticket and not go - so we do not do it, ”Putin said.

“As for the sanctions against Russia, whatever to be attached to - to the events in Ukraine or Syria, I assure you, the goals of those who formulate this policy do not solve a specific problem,” the President of the Russian Federation emphasized.