Vladimir Putin has called Sir Elton John and agreed to meet him, after pranksters recently called the musician pretending to be the Russian president and his spokesman.

Mr Putin's spokesman Dmitry Peskov told Russian news agencies on Thursday that the president called Sir Elton earlier in the day and "asked him not to feel offended" by the prank.

Mr Putin promised to meet the singer as long as the schedule permits and discuss "any issues that he is concerned about".

Earlier this month, the musician criticised Russia's law against gay "propaganda" and comments by Mr Putin suggesting that gay people prey on children.

Two Russian pranksters last week said they fooled Sir Elton into believing that the Russian president had given him a call, with the star posting a message on his Instagram thanking Mr Putin for calling him.

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