Russia's Vladimir Putin Says Good Chance of Resolution to Ukraine Conflict

Brisbane, Australia: Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Sunday that there is a "good chance of resolution" in the Ukraine conflict, contradicting Western concerns over an escalation in fighting in the southeast of the country.

Putin said Kiev's decision to impose an economic blockade of eastern Ukraine regions was a "big mistake", but "not fatal".

Western leaders at the summit have warned Putin that he risked more economic sanctions if he failed to end Russian backing for separatist rebels in Ukraine, where a conflict has killed more than 4,000 people this year.

Putin was speaking at a press conference while other G20 leaders attended a working lunch. Putin told reporters he was leaving before the release of the G20's communique because of the long flight to Russia and he wanted to get some sleep.

Putin also said that G20 leaders discussed reform of global energy institutions.