Putin denies speaking to Elton about gay rights

A spokesman for Vladimir Putin has denied the Russian president spoke by telephone to Elton John, contradicting an earlier claim by the British singer that the two men had a conversation.

Elton John had claimed via his publicist he had spoken to Putin, after requesting a meeting to discuss Russia’s anti-gay environment.

The ‘Rocket Man’ singer, 68, posted a photograph of the Russian president on Instagram, writing: “Thank-you to President Vladimir Putin for reaching out and speaking via telephone with me today.