Putin offers to meet Elton John after gay rights call

London: Russian President Vladimir Putin has phoned pop star Elton John and proposed a meeting, according to the Kremlin.

The 68-year-old singer, who wants to talk to Putin about his "ridiculous" attitude to gay rights, previously fell victim to pranksters who impersonated the Russian leader on the phone, reported BBC online.

But Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told Russian media that Putin had this time called the singer and asked him not to be offended by the hoax.

Putin said he was ready to meet John - when their schedules allowed it - and discuss "any issues of interest" to the British star, Peskov said.

Russia has faced international criticism for its laws on homosexuality, including a 2013 bill prosecuting people for providing information about homosexuality to people under 18.