Russian President Vladimir Putin (R) and Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev are seen during their tour on Lake Ilmen in Novgorod region, Russia, September 10, 2016. Sputnik/Kremlin/Alexei Druzhinin/via REUTERS

BISHKEK (Reuters) - Russian President Vladimir Putin decried on Saturday what he described as “attempts to manipulate” public opinion during the country’s parliamentary election campaign.

Russia holds elections on Sunday for the lower house of parliament, the State Duma.

Speaking in the Kyrgyz capital Bishkek, Putin also said Russia was ready to continue contacts with Ukraine. The Kiev government has been battling pro-Russian armed separatists in eastern Ukraine.