Putin wants Russia to boost its use of metals to counter sanctions

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday called for structural changes in Russia's metallurgical industry to counter Western sanctions he said were starving it of some components and restricting its ability to sell some goods abroad.

Speaking at a televised meeting with industry officials and company executives, Putin said Russia should increase its domestic consumption of metals by building factories, infrastructure and housing.

"To support demand for domestic metal, we must launch long-term projects and programmes whose effect the entire economy will feel," he said.