Putin mocks the West and says Russia will press on in Ukraine

Putin said Russia has strengthened its sovereignty in the face of western sanctions, which he said bordered on an aggression.

Russian President Vladimir Putin delivers a speech at the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok (Stanislav Krasilnikov/TASS News Agency Host Pool Photo/AP)

Russian President Vladimir Putin has said Moscow will press on with its military action in Ukraine until it reaches its goals and mocked western attempts to drive Russia into a corner with sanctions.

Mr Putin told an annual economic forum in the far-eastern port city of Vladivostok that the main goal behind sending troops into Ukraine was protecting civilians in the east of that country after eight years of fighting.