Russia's athletics federation has been provisionally suspended from competition following revelations of widespread, state-sponsored doping.
The International Association of Athletics Federations' (IAAF) council voted 22-1 in favour of the sanction.
Vladimir Putin says it is "essential" Russia conducts its own investigation into allegations its athletes took banned substances, adding that someone needs to take personal responsibility for the problem.
In his first comments since accusations were brought by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), Mr Putin said his country should cooperate with international organisations.
Russia's sports minister had previously dismissed the allegations, saying "some find it beneficial to damage the country's image".
However, ahead of a meeting with sports officials in Sochi, Putin said: "I ask the minister of sport and all our colleagues who are linked in one way or another with sport to pay this issue the greatest possible attention."
"It is essential that we conduct our own internal investigation and provide the most open - and I want to underline - the most open professional cooperation with international anti-doping structures," he added.
Russia's athletics federation has been provisionally suspended from competition following revelations of widespread, state-sponsored doping.
ITV News Sports Editor Steve Scott explains why Russian athletes are likely to compete in next year's Olympics.
Russia should be banned from athletics competition following "widespread and , the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has said.