Russian President Vladimir Putin addressed business leaders at a major economic forum, warning that global instability driven by the Middle East conflict could rival the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. He stressed the need for strong cooperation between the state and business to maintain economic stability despite sanctions and market volatility. Putin highlighted Russia’s focus on technological innovation, including artificial intelligence and digital platforms, while urging caution against short-term gains. He also emphasized national sovereignty and long-term economic resilience as key priorities amid shifting global markets and geopolitical uncertainty.