The Russian president also warned against any attempt to impose a no-fly zone over Ukraine.
In his latest comments, Mr Putin sought to justify the war in Ukraine, repeating his assertion that he was seeking to defend Russian speaking communities there through the "demilitarisation and de-Nazification" of the country.
He added that only professional soldiers were taking part in the hostilities and there were no conscripts involved, despite reports to the contrary. For his part, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has condemned Nato for ruling out the no-fly zone. However, Western leaders say introducing the measure would be an escalation.
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