Russia's President Vladimir Putin has claimed that almost 40% of the country's trade is now transacted in Russian rubles, marking a significant shift away from the dollar, euro, and other "non-friendly" Western currencies due to sanctions. 

Vladimir Putin: Russia to Increase Use of Currencies From 'Friendly' Countries

At the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF) Friday, CNBC reported that Vladimir Putin emphasized the importance of strengthening ties with "friendly" nations, which currently comprise three-quarters of Russia's trade volume. 

He also cited plans to increase the use of currencies from BRICS countries for settlements or deals to reduce reliance on currencies deemed "toxic" by the Kremlin.

BRICS is an economic coalition of emerging countries comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. According to Putin, payments for Russian exports in currencies of "non-friendly states" have been reduced to half over the past year.

"With that, the share of the ruble in import and export operations is increasing, now standing at almost 40%," Putin noted, as CNBC reported.

READ NEXT: Vladimir Putin Issues Rare Apology for the Price of Eggs as Russia's Inflation Soars 

Economy of Russia Amid War With Ukraine

Vladimir Putin's remarks coincided with Russia's efforts to diversify its economic partnerships, particularly with countries in Asia, Latin America, and Africa, amid Western sanctions imposed after the invasion of Ukraine. 

Despite international sanctions, Russia anticipated robust growth that will outpace advanced economies like the US, Germany, France, and the UK. The Kremlin attributed this growth to increased self-sufficiency and ongoing oil and commodity exports.

READ MORE: Russia Could Turn Against Vladimir Putin as Economic Strength Wanes and Western Sanctions Heighten, Economists Warn