Vladimir Putin called for an end to the deadlock in UK-Russia relations during his massive annual press conference.

"“In my mind, UK-Russian relations are at a dead end and it's in the interests of both sides to get out of this dead end," the Russian President said at a gathering known for pageantry and colourful quotes.

He added that the UK was Russia's top direct investor last year, putting £22bn into the country. Although he had not discussed partnerships with Theresa May, Mr Putin said that business communities in both countries were holding productive talks.

The President also advised the UK should go through with Brexit, saying that "otherwise it wasn't really a referendum."