By Vladimir Soldatkin and Guy Faulconbridge ST PETERSBURG, Russia (Reuters) -Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday dismissed claims the war in Ukraine is devastating the Russian economy, citing continued growth,

Vladimir Putin declared Russians and Ukrainians as "one people," implying Russia's claim over Ukraine, while denying intentions to destroy the country. He stated that peace hinges on Ukraine accepting Russia's territorial gains and neutrality.

Economy Minister Maxim Reshetnikov said earlier during the St. Petersburg Economic Forum that the economy is “on the verge of going into a recession.”