What is really going on in politics? Get our daily email briefing straight to your inbox Sign up Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email

Vladimir Putin slammed Western attitudes to gay rights, immigration and multiculturalism as has boasted that liberalism in Europe was "obsolete".

The Russian leader said Europe prioritised migrants' rights so much it mean they could "kill, plunder and rape with impunity" in attack on Western Liberalism which he said had "outlived its purpose".

In a wide-ranging interview the bullish Russian premier hit out at the decision to allow millions of migrants into the EU.

Mr Putin spoke to the Financial Times as the G20 summit in Osaka got underway.

Mr Putin said 'the liberal idea' was on its way out as the public turned its back on these issues.

(Image: AFP/Getty Images)

The Moscow leader said gay rights were an attack on "traditional family values" - ahead of the meeting of the world's most powerful leaders in Japan.

Mr Putin, 66, said Russia had "no problems with LGBT persons… but some things do appear excessive to us".

"They claim now that children can play five or six gender roles," he continued.

"Let everyone be happy, we have no problem with that. But this must not be allowed to overshadow the culture, traditions and traditional family values of millions of people making up the core population."

He claimed German chancellor Angela Merkel made a '"cardinal mistake" in her 2017 decision to allow a million refugees into the country.

He said: "[Liberals] cannot simply dictate anything to anyone just like they have been attempting to do over the recent decades.

"This liberal idea presupposes that nothing needs to be done. That migrants can kill, plunder and rape with impunity because their rights as migrants have to be protected."

He added: "Every crime must have its punishment. The liberal idea has become obsolete. It has come into conflict with the interests of the overwhelming majority of the population."

In the interview with the paper the Russian premier also addressed the ongoing tensions with the UK after the poisoning of Sergei Skripal.

The UK expelled 23 Russian diplomats Theresa May claimed were undeclared intelligence officers following the Salisbury attack and international allies including the US followed suit.

Mr Putin said: "Listen, all this fuss about spies and counterspies, it is not worth serious interstate relations. This spy story, as we say, it is not worth five kopecks. Or even five pounds, for that matter.

"And the issues concerning interstate relations, they are measured in billions and the fate of millions of people. How can we compare one with the other?"

Ahead of a meeting with Theresa May President Putin said the security agencies should deal with it, that UK businesses wanted to continue working with Russia, and that he believed the UK and his country were interested in fully restoring relations.

(Image: AFP/Getty Images)

"At least I hope that a few preliminary steps will be made. I think it would be easier for Mrs May, maybe, because she is leaving and is free to do what she thinks is right, important and necessary and not to bother about some domestic political consequences," he said.

Mr Putin added: "Treason is the gravest crime possible and traitors must be punished. I am not saying that the Salisbury incident is the way to do it. Not at all. But traitors must be punished."