Vladimir Putin is asked for his thoughts on Russia’s “special military operation” in Ukraine – this is what Moscow calls the war.
He says Russia’s goals remain unchanged, reiterating they are the “denazification and demilitarisation of Ukraine”.
“Peace will come when we reach our goals,” he says.
Russia has long claimed its assault on Ukraine was to “protect people” from Nazis in the country, and it was one of the reasons Mr Putin used to launch the initial invasion.
“Their national hero is a well-known Nazi figure,” he tells the conference.
Talking about demilitarising, he says: “Unless they want to come to terms peacefully, we have to take some action, including military action.
“Today, Ukraine virtually produces or manufactures nothing… they have been importing things for free, freeloading.”
He says Russia is expecting Ukraine to receive aircraft and air defence systems.
Kyiv has called for the West to supply it with aircraft – but countries have been resistant to the demand.
Denmark is set to deliver 19 jets in total with the initial six due around the end of the year, followed by eight in 2024 and five in 2025, its prime minister said in August.
He moves to answer a question about another mobilisation in the country, saying there is no need for one at the moment.
He says 244,000 Russians who have been called up are on the battlefield in Ukraine.
Some 486,000 people had so far signed up
voluntarily as contract soldiers, on top of the 300,000 people
called up last year, and “the flow is not diminishing”, he says.
In all 1,500 people are recruited every day, he adds, with contracts signed for two or three years among volunteers.
