Vladimir Putin with kind words for Trump

The Russian president has accused American counterpart Donald Trump of damaging the US by using “telling history” about contacts with Russia.

At his annual conference, Vladimir Putin said contacts between Trump's team and Russian officials before holding elections last year were normal.

He said the American opposition has shown no respect for those who chose Trump.

Trump's campaign is being investigated for co-operation with Russia.

US intelligence agencies have concluded that Moscow tried to influence the presidential election in favour of Trump, but Putin denies accusations

All of these are innovations by Trump's opponents, who try to call his job "non-legime”," Putin said, when asked about the investigation.

He added that Trump has credit for some serious achievements”, but has not been able to improve relations with Russia.