Putin opposed the militarization of the economy

The government will not militarize the country and destroy the economy in the interests of defense capability, Russian President Vladimir Putin said.

“We will not repeat the mistakes of the past, when in the interests of increasing the defense capability – where necessary, and where it was not necessary – we destroyed our economy. We will not engage in the militarization of the country and the militarization of the economy,” the president said (quote according to RIA Novosti).

The head of state added that the level of development achieved, as well as the structure of the economy, do not require this. The armed forces will be improved “calmly and rhythmically”, not to the detriment of the social sphere, he added.

Putin has previously stressed that Russia does not change its huge plans in the field of socio-economic development, despite the conduct of a special military operation. “Despite all the issues related to the special military operation, we are not changing our plans for the development of the state, for the development of the economy, the social sphere, and for national projects,” he noted.

Russia’s special operation in Ukraine began on February 24. Russian President Vladimir Putin called the protection of the inhabitants of Donbass, as well as the demilitarization and denazification of Ukraine, its goals. During the special operation, Russian troops took full control of the LPR, as well as most of the DPR, Kherson and Zaporozhye regions. Subsequently, these territories became part of Russia, and on October 19 martial law was introduced in the regions.