Putin supports Kyrgyzstan leader ahead of election

Russian President Vladimir Putin met his Kyrgyz counterpart Sooronbay Jeenbekov on Monday, prior to upcoming parliamentary elections in Kyrgyzstan which are set to take place this weekend.

During the Sochi meeting, Jeenbekov told the Russian president, "there are different forces who are against stability and development of our country" - referring to the opposition.

Putin said that Russia would "never interfere in internal affairs of our neighbours or other countries".

"But we always support efforts aiming at stabilisation of the situation", he added.

He also told the Kyrgyz leader that Russia would provide economic support.

Relations between Russia and Kyrgyzstan are strained after Jeenbekov jailed former Kyrgyz president and friend of Putin's, Almazbek Atambayev.

It was speculated that Putin withdrew Jeenbekov's invitation to the 24 June Victory Parade following this outcome.