Putin praises Boris Johnson's Brexit crusade

Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Thursday (December 19) that he believes Britain wants better economic ties with his country, and at a news conference also praised Prime Minister Boris Johnson for his handling of Brexit and the British election.

(SOUNDBITE) (Russian) RUSSIAN PRESIDENT, VLADIMIR PUTIN, SAYING:

"Well, we can congratulate Mr Johnson as he turned out be the winner. He felt the mood of British society better than his opponents. Therefore, he won and, as far as I understand, he intends to implement his Brexit plans."

Putin also rejected allegations of Russian interference in British politics.

The UK has previously accused Russia of attempting to influence Western elections.