Putin says Ukraine operation to strengthen Russia

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday reiterated that his actions in Ukraine were justified and will lead to the strengthening of Russia.

"I am sure that we have not lost anything (from the military operation in Ukraine) and will not lose anything," Putin said in response to the first question at the plenary session of the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok.

He also said that Russia's actions in Ukraine was in response to what he called a "genocide" against the people of Donbas.

"All our actions are directed at helping the people of Donbas," Putin said. "This is our duty and we will see it through to the end."