"Aside from taking measures to correct the serious financial situation in individual European Union countries, most of the world's countries also need to strike a reasonable balance between fiscal consolidation and strict budget discipline on the one hand, and job creation, economic growth, and tackling social problems, including maintaining pension system stability on the other hand, " Mr. Putin wrote.

WSJ: Rival Powers Hit Wall on Syria Plan

But he and other party leaders remain focused on the party's paramount objective: maintaining social stability.

ECONOMIST: China