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Putin denies phone call with Sir Elton John over gay rights

Russian President Vladimir Putin has denied Sir Elton John's claim the pair chatted over the phone about gay rights.

A spokesman for the president has said Putin knocked back the singer's confirmation they discussed the country's well-publicised attitudes to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) rights - but added Putin was open to discussing the issue.

Putin denies phone call with Sir Elton John over gay rights. Credit: PA

Putin did not have a conversation with Elton John, and, what's more, we have not received any requests from him for a meeting.

The president has always been open to discuss human rights issues.

The president, I'm sure, will be ready to meet with Elton John, too, if there is such a request.

– Putin's spokesman

Earlier Elton posted a photo of Mr Putin on Instagram thanking him for "reaching out and speaking via telephone" about Russia's attitude to gay rights.