President Vladimir Putin says accusations of Donald Trump’s collusion with Russia have damaged the US political system and demonstrated disrespect for those who voted for Mr Trump.

Speaking at an annual news conference, Mr Putin again rejected claims of interference in the US presidential election, saying that the accusations against Mr Trump have been spread by his political opponents in a bid to undermine his legitimacy.

He said that he was puzzled by the infighting, which he said “inflicted damage to the domestic political situation” and showed “lack of respect for voters” who chose Mr Trump.

He noted Mr Trump’s achievements, saying that growing markets have demonstrated investors’ confidence in the US president’s economic course.

President Donald Trump departs after a speech at the White House (Alex Brandon/AP)President Donald Trump departs after a speech at the White House (Alex Brandon/AP)

He voiced hope for a recovery in the US-Russian ties, emphasising that the two countries need to cooperate on tackling global challenges.

Mr Putin added that political machinations are behind the International Olympic Committee’s ban on Russia’s national team at the upcoming Winter Games.

He said that he believes that the “scandal is being created ahead of the domestic political calendar”.

Mr Putin is up for re-election in March and he has suggested before that his adversaries might use the ban to dampen his popularity.

Russian athletes earlier this week decided overwhelmingly in favour of competing at the Pyeongchang Games.

Russian athletes must compete as “Olympic Athletes from Russia” under a neutral flag as IOC punishment for doping offences at the 2014 Olympics.

Mr Putin said “whatever people say, I’m convinced, I just know this is the case” that the ban is linked to the 2018 presidential campaign.