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,

Record-low unemployment and ultra-hot inflation have put Russia “on the brink” of a recession, its economy minister said.

President Vladimir Putin said he isn’t seeking Ukraine’s “capitulation” as a way to end the war, even as he reiterated his claim that the two countries are one people.