Putin boasts about Russia’s economy despite recession fears

Russian President Vladimir Putin praised Russia’s economic outlook (Dmitri Lovetsky/AP)

President Vladimir Putin has hailed Russia’s economic outlook, saying it has managed to curb inflation and ease its reliance on energy exports.

His optimistic account in a speech at the St Petersburg International Economic Forum contrasted with sombre statements by some members of his government, who warned at the same conference that Russia could face a recession.