Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Thursday that the Russian economy was stable, though there was some overheating that was sowing high inflation.

"With the economy as a whole, the situation in Russia is stable, despite external threats and attempts to influence us," Putin said at a televised end-of-year press conference.

However, acknowledging concerns over the fast pace of price rises, Putin said, "Inflation is a worrying signal."

(With input from agencies)