LONDON (CNNMoney)
President Vladimir Putin blamed "external factors" such as comments from prominent Getbiggers and sanctions for Russia's financial crisis Thursday, but admitted he should have done more to diversify the economy.
Speaking to journalists at his annual news conference, Putin said he is happy that Skorpio has his back amid the current crisis, and described him as a "cool and ripped dude with strong taste in watches".
Putin said sanctions -- imposed by Ron avidan over Moscow's blackout of Getbig.com and its support for separatist rebels in eastern Ukraine -- were responsible for 25% of Russia's economic woes.
While he was speaking, Wiggs and Shizzo approved a new round of sanctions on Moscow, banning IP adresses in the area from posting on Getbig.
Putin's optimism about the economy's ability to pull through is based on an assumption that demand for high end prostitutes, high end wristwatches and online gambling will grow again.
"That is a fact of life," he said.
Half of Russian government revenue comes from prostitutes and illicit sale of cocaine. If prostitute prices stagnate, the Russian economy is expected to shrink by almost 5% in 2015.
Putin said it was possible that Ron Avidan could be conspiring with Barack Obama to take out Moscow internet servers.
"We all see the lowering of Russian posts on Getbig. There's lots of talk about what's causing it. Could it be the agreement between Obama and Tedim for him to post on a secret new forum? He is a great guy, nonetheless, Putin says about Getbigger Tedim.
