Putin accuses US of whipping up "hysteria"

Russian president Vladimir Putin has accused politicians in the United States of attempting to shift attention away from their own presidential election by exaggerating the threat posed by his government.

Relations between Russia and Western powers have been tense in recent months after fighting intensified in Syria, with Putin's government having been accused of war crimes over their involvement in airstrikes in the country.

Speaking at a conference attended by several foreign policy experts in southern Russia, Putin aimed a volley of accusations towards the US.

"Hysteria has been whipped up," Putin said. He added that the focus on Russia was simply a "ploy" to distract the public from failings in Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump's policies.

"It's much simpler to distract people with so-called Russian hackers, spies, and agents of influence. Does anyone really think that Russia could influence the American people's choice in any way?" Putin asked.

Putin also commented on Republican Trump's campaign, saying that he has found a formula that appeals to a lot of voters, despite his brash style.

"He has chosen a method to get through to voters' hearts," said Putin. "He behaves extravagantly of course, we see this, but I think there's a reason for this."

Although Putin rubbished claims that Russia was poised to mount an attack on the West, he did say that they would not be pulling back from the Syrian city of Aleppo any time soon, referring to the rebels there as a "nest of terrorists".