Russian President Vladimir Putin meets with Chief Executive of oil producer Rosneft Igor Sechin at the Novo-Ogaryovo state residence outside Moscow, Russia February 15, 2021. Sputnik/Mikhail Klimentyev/Kremlin via REUTERS/File Photo Acquire Licensing Rights

Putin made the comments while meeting young Russian scientists.

Ahead of the meeting with Sechin, the OPEC+ group of oil producers, comprising the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and allies led by Russia, is due to meet online on Thursday to decide oil output levels for 2024.

OPEC+ on Wednesday continued talks, which sources described as difficult. The Thursday meeting on output policy was, however, expected to go ahead on schedule, sources said.