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VLADIMIR Putin praised "extravagant" Donald Trump as he shot down claims he was "interfering" in the US Presidential election.

The president claimed the "fictitious" allegations about Russia's involvement were to distract the public from real issues.

Russian President Putin delivers speech during session of Valdai International Discussion Club in Sochi
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Russian President Putin delivers speech during session of Valdai International Discussion Club in SochiCredit: Reuters
Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump appears at a campaign event in Geneva, Ohio, on Thursday
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Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump appears at a campaign event in Geneva, Ohio, on ThursdayCredit: Reuters
Dozens waved banners with the slogan 'Make America Great Again' and 'Women for Trump' despite the recent sex allegations facing the presidential candidate
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Dozens waved banners with the slogan 'Make America Great Again' and 'Women for Trump' despite the recent sex allegations facing the presidential candidateCredit: Getty Images

Russia has been accused of coordinating the hacks of Hillary Clinton's emails to influence the White House race.

But Putin told foreign policy experts in Sochi: "Does anyone seriously think Russia can somehow influence the American people's choice?"

"Is America some kind of banana republic? America is a great power!"

Putin labelled suggestions he favoured Trump as "sheer nonsense".

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"It's just an instrument of political struggle, a way of manipulating public opinion," he said.

However the Russian leader added that while Trump may sound "extravagant," he was trying to reach out to normal people.

He said: "Mr. Trump, he has probably chosen his own method to get through to voters' hearts.

"He behaves extravagantly of course, we see this, but I think there's a reason for this, because in my opinion he represents the interests of that part of society - and it is quite big in the United States - which is tired of the elite who have been in power for decades."

 

Secretary of State John Kerry insists that Russia were directly involved in the hack of Hillary Clinton's emails
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Secretary of State John Kerry insists that Russia were directly involved in the hack of Hillary Clinton's emailsCredit: AP:Associated Press

Speaking on Wednesday evening, U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry insisted that Washington has no doubts of direct Russian involvement in the hacking.

He said: "The president would not have authorised a release of the assessment to the intelligence community if we didn't feel that it was serious and also if we didn't feel that it was certain.

Kerry said he has confronted Russian counterparts such as Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on the matter.

"Their response is to demand the evidence and to ask for it," he said.

"And my response to that is, 'Let's not be foolish here. You know what we're talking about.'"

Russian warships have passed through the English Channel on route to Syria.

But in the Sochi interview, Putin also shrugged off allegations that Russia harbours aggressive military intentions in Europe.

"Of course, it's quite pleasant and sometimes advantageous to cast oneself as a defender of civilisation from some kind of new barbarians, but Russia has no intention to attack anyone," Putin claimed.

Smoke billows following an air strike by Syrian government forces in a rebel-held area of Daraa. Russia has clashed with the US over its backing for government troops
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Smoke billows following an air strike by Syrian government forces in a rebel-held area of Daraa. Russia has clashed with the US over its backing for government troopsCredit: Getty Images
Eight Russian vessels led by a aircraft carrier head down the North Sea and passed through the Dover Straits on their way to a mission off the coast of Syria
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Eight Russian vessels led by a aircraft carrier head down the North Sea and passed through the Dover Straits on their way to a mission off the coast of SyriaCredit: Universal News (Europe)

Putin voiced regret about a quick collapse last month of a cease-fire in Syria brokered by Russia and the USA and blamed unidentified forces in Washington.

"It's very difficult to talk to the current administration, because it doesn't fulfill any agreements, including on Syria," Putin said.

"If we agree on something, it's necessary to honour the agreement and, at the very least, not try to shift blame and accuse us of all deadly sins."

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