Elton John wishes to meet the Russian president to discuss his nation's laws against "gay propaganda".

The offer of talks were raised after John spoke at a conference in neighbouring Ukraine, where he lobbied President Petro Poroshenko about LGBT rights.

The star took to Instragram to thank Poroshenko, stating: "Specifically I asked him to: 1. Ban discrimination in the workplace based on sexuality and gender identity. 2. Provide criminal penalties for hate crimes. [...] We need Ukrainian businessmen and power brokers to create a more inclusive and tolerant society. We need this everywhere!”

Speaking to BBC about the Russian president, the singer said: “I would like to meet [Mr Putin]. It’s probably pie in the sky … He may laugh behind my back when he shuts the door, and call me an absolute idiot, but at least I can think I have the conscience to say I tried.”