Putin in a discussion of the topic of sanctions called the Western community an "empire of lies"

“[Prime Minister of the Russian Federation] Mikhail Vladimirovich [Mishustin] and I previously discussed this topic, bearing in mind, of course, those sanctions that are now the so-called Western community — as I called it in my speech, this is an “empire of lies,” — said the head of state, whose words are quoted by Izvestia.

At the beginning of the meeting, the President of Russia addressed the participants and stated that the discussion would be "on issues related to the economy and finance". The event was attended by First Deputy Prime Minister Andrey Belousov, First Deputy Head of the Presidential Administration Sergei Kiriyenko, Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak, Presidential Aide Maxim Oreshkin, Finance Minister Anton Siluanov, Head of the Central Bank Elvira Nabiullina and Head of Sberbank German Gref.

Earlier today, the Bank of Russia raised its key rate to 20% per annum. Before that, it became known about the freezing of the assets of the Central Bank by the European Union. These events take place against the backdrop of economic sanctions due to the special operation of the Russian Federation to demilitarize Ukraine. In a difficult economic situation, the Central Bank recommended that banks not impose fines and penalties on loans from borrowers whose financial situation has worsened due to new sanctions.