Putin Strikes Uncompromising Tone Over Russia Crisis

The transcript covers a press conference where Vladimir Putin discusses Russia's currency crisis, emphasizing that a weak ruble helps meet budgetary needs. He criticizes the central bank's reserve spending and downplays converting export dollars to rubles. Additionally, the release of a Russian billionaire arrested for money laundering is highlighted, with implications of political motives. The press conference also touches on various topics, including Putin's personal life.

What were Vladimir Putin's comments regarding the ruble during the press conference?

How did the central bank's reserves influence the government's financial decisions according to the discussion?

What was the reaction of the Russian President regarding the big exporters and their dollar repatriation?

What implications did the weak ruble have on Russia's budgetary requirements as stated in the text?

What was the significance of the arrest of the Russian billionaire mentioned in the text?