Russian President Vladimir Putin argued on the 17th (local time) that the recent global economic crisis was not due to Russia's 'special military operation' in Ukraine, but the result of years of irresponsible macroeconomic policies of the G7 countries.



In a speech at the plenary session of the International Economic Forum (SPIEF) held in St. Petersburg, Russia's second city, Putin said, "Russian military operations in the Donbas region (eastern Ukraine) have nothing to do with this."



In particular, Russia said it was not responsible for the sharp rise in international grain prices and pointed out that the US overexploitation of currency and the purchase of food in the international market were the root causes.



"Russia has the ability to significantly increase exports of food and fertilizers after securing domestic food security," he added.



President Putin said, "Russia is not blocking Ukraine's grain exports" in relation to the situation in which Ukraine's grain exports are being disrupted due to the blockade of the Black Sea. We will ensure safety,” he said.



However, he predicted that Ukraine's 5-6 million tons of wheat and 7 million tons of corn would have little impact on the global market.



President Putin repeatedly insisted that it was an unavoidable measure against Ukraine's "special military operation" that has been ongoing since the end of February.



He said, "Amid the growing crisis and threat to Russia, the decision to conduct a special military operation was inevitable. It was a difficult decision, but it was inevitable and necessary."



"The West was not only trying to implement an 'anti-Russian' scenario," he said, "but actively pursued a military occupation of Ukrainian territory and poured out their weapons and military advisers."



He emphasized that all tasks of the Ukrainian special military operation will be carried out without fail, and that "the bravery and patriotism of the Russian soldiers and the unity of Russian society will guarantee it."



"Russia is entering a new century as a strong and independent country," Putin said. emphasized.