Moscow (CNN) Russia has labeled allegations that former US national security adviser Michael Flynn attempted to persuade then-Russian Ambassador to the US Sergey Kislyak to ask Moscow to not retaliate to US sanctions in December 2016 as "completely absurd."

Flynn pleaded guilty Friday to lying to the FBI about conversations with Kislyak and disclosed that he is cooperating with the special counsel's office.

JUST WATCHED Trump compares Flynn to Hillary Clinton Replay More Videos ... MUST WATCH Trump compares Flynn to Hillary Clinton 00:42

Flynn and Kislyak had phone conversations on December 29, 2016, the day that former President Barack Obama announced the new sanctions and also expelled 35 Russian diplomats.

But speaking to CNN on a conference call Monday, Dmitry Peskov, the spokesman for Russian President Vladimir Putin, told a conference call that it was Putin's decision not to respond to sanctions and it had nothing to do with Flynn.

Read More