Trump represents the common people, says Putin

President Vladimir Putin of Russia says Donald Trump, nominee of the US Republican Party, is representing the common people.

Speaking at an annual gathering of Russian and international world policy experts, the Russian leader praising Trump for energising American voters who are “tired of the elites”.

“Trump has chosen his own way of reaching the hearts of the voters,” he said.

“He is acting extravagantly, but not so pointlessly. He represents the interests of the part of the society tired of the elites that have held power for decades. He is representing the common people, and he is acting like a common guy himself.”

Denying the allegations of meddling into American politics, Putin said America was no “Banana Republic”.

“Is America some sort of banana republic? America is a great power. Please correct me if I’m wrong,” he said.

“Does anyone really think that Russia can influence the choice of the American people in any way?”

He also said his country would work with whoever wins the election.

“We will be working with any American president elected by the American people who would work with us,” he said.

Hillary Clinton has consistently accused Putin of interfering with the November 8 election.

The US Department of Homeland Security has also accused the Russian government of hacking the e-mail servers of the Democratic National Committee earlier this year.

The confidential files of Clinton, which were leaked by WikiLeaks were believed to have been supplied by Russian hackers.

But Julian Assange, founder of the organisation, denied any link with Russia.