Russian President Vladimir Putin has begun a year-end news conference with domestic and international journalists that features a call-in show with ordinary Russian people.

The event began in a venue near the Kremlin in the capital Moscow at around noon on Thursday.

On the conflict in Ukraine, Putin said there will be peace when Russia achieves its goals. He said those goals are the "denazification" and "demilitarization" of Ukraine.

Putin also said Russian forces were strengthening their positions on almost all frontlines in Ukraine.

He stressed that if the two sides fail to agree on peace Russia will solve the problem by using force.

Putin also answered questions from Russian soldiers deployed in the battlefield in eastern Ukraine.

The annual year-end event usually lasts for several hours. Last year, it was not held amid the country's invasion of Ukraine.

The decision was apparently made taking into consideration possible adverse effects amid growing anti-war sentiment.

Russia's state TV networks broadcast the news conference incorporating the call-in show.

The media said earlier that about 2.3 million questions for Putin had been submitted ahead of the broadcast.

Last week, Putin announced that he will seek re-election in the presidential election in March.