Vladimir Putin has left the G20 summit citing a need to catch up on sleep, after the Kremlin played down reports the Russian President was leaving due to the frosty reception awarded to him by other world leaders over Ukraine.

Mr Putin said the trip home would take 18 hours and he needs at least four hours' sleep before returning to work on Monday.

Heading off: Vladimir Putin departs the Hilton Hotel after his G20 visit to Brisbane. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen

The Russian leader said he explained his reasons to his Australian host, Prime Minister Tony Abbott, who, he said, responded with: "No problem."