He continued: “Yes, we will do it in various ways and means. First, of course, we will focus on peaceful means, but if there is nothing else left, we will defend ourselves with all the means at our disposal.”
Putin was speaking in the 10th month of the Ukraine war, responding to comments by a member of the Rights Council who said Ukrainian forces were shelling residential areas in the Russian-controlled Donetsk region.
Ukraine has suffered heavy civilian casualties during the war. Russia denied targeting civilians.