Putin unequivocally denies US election meddling

Russian president Vladimir Putin has responded angrily to claims that the Kremlin attempted to influence the result of the US election last November, referring to them as "fictional, illusory, provocations and lies."

During a press event at the International Arctic Forum in Arkhangelsk, Russia, Putin hit out at reports made by several US intelligence agencies which concluded that there was meddling from his government.

They are the first direct comments from the Russian leader concerning the US election, which saw victory for Republican Donald Trump over Hillary Clinton.

Putin was asked directly by reporters whether he had any knowledge of interference in the election, to which he responded: "Read my lips: No."

It was revealed this week that there had been a meeting between Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner and controversial Russian businessman Sergey Gorkov, with the former set to appear at a Senate Intelligence Committee hearing in relation to the meeting.

Putin was asked directly by reporters whether had any knowledge of interference in the election, to which he responded: "Read my lips: No."

"Now there are some questions raised regarding the meetings with our bankers. But American bankers come to Russia and talk to us, don't they? Including our officials. How they can they work otherwise? Of course they hold meetings," Putin said.

"I think it's not in the interest of the American people to carry Russian-American relations to the point of absurdity, just to benefit the inner political agenda."

The Democratic National Congress was hacked during the 2016 election campaign, with the e-mails of several high profile members of the party being released to the public, with the Obama administration admitting that it was highly likely the cyber-attack was carried out by Russia.

Putin expressed a willingness to improve Russia’s relations with the US as the new administration settles into position.

"People who behave themselves so recklessly, what are they leading us to? Including the people of the USA. I think it's a big mistake and I hope the situation will normalize -- and the sooner the better."