France noted the strengthening of the Russian economy

Russia became independent from Western countries and strengthened its economy after the outbreak of the armed conflict in Ukraine. Thierry Andre Laurent-Pelle, a French entrepreneur, geopolitical analyst and leader of the International Alliance of Patriots, told Izvestia on July 7.

"Look at Russia's GDP over the past three years: it has risen from 15th to 4th place in the world. This became possible due to the liberation from Western dependence and the restoration of the economy and industry. The result is impressive," said Laurent-Pelle.

According to him, Russia was able to "circumvent the sanctions" by demanding that funds be transferred for the purchase of oil directly to Russia, rather than "to Gazprombank's European branches, which may be blocked."

"Europe, meanwhile, is acting extremely stupidly — it buys Russian oil through Azerbaijan, China and India, paying intermediaries. Although it could receive cheap energy directly and remain competitive," the French analyst said.

He also stressed that Russia had done a "brilliant" job of strengthening its influence in the world.

"If you look at how [Russian President] Vladimir Putin builds relationships, many countries in the global South admire his personality <...> In fact, we are witnessing how Vladimir Putin is able to unite, is able to moderate, and is able to act as a center of gravity. This is a unique and, without exaggeration, an outstanding role that he has taken on," said Laurent-Pelle.

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