Putin downplays threat of recession at Saint Petersburg Forum, points to growth in manufacturing

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

“Russia takes the fourth place in the world in gross domestic product and the first place in Europe,” he said.

His optimistic account in a speech at the Saint Petersburg International Economic Forum contrasted with somber statements by some members of his government who warned at the same…