Vladimir Putin has denied even thinking about attempting to influence elections in other countries, in his latest comments on allegations that Moscow used a combination of leaks and fake news to swing the US election.

The comments came as he welcomed Angela Merkel, the German Chancellor, to the Black Sea resort of Sochi for talks dominated by disagreements over the Ukraine crisis and Syria.

The summit at Mr Putin’s summer residence is Mrs Merkel’s first visit to the country for two years and comes amid what the Russian president admitted was a “problematic” time in relations between their countries.

Ties between Berlin and Moscow have been frayed over Russia’s continuing involvement in the conflict in eastern Ukraine, German and EU sanctions against Russia, and allegations of Kremlin meddling in upcoming German general election in autumn.