Elton John takes on Vladimir Putin: Singer reveals Russian leader called him to discuss LGBT rights

Just days after Elton John revealed that he was keen to discuss Russia's 'ridiculous' stance on gay rights with the country's leader, the entertainer has confirmed that his requested was granted. The Candle in Wind hitmaker has revealed that president Vladimir Putin called him to discuss LGBT equality in the European nation.

Taking to Instagram, John, who has two children with husband David Furnish, announced the exchange to his followers and said that he was keen to continue the conversation.

"Thank-you to President Vladimir Putin for reaching out and speaking via telephone with me today," he wrote alongside a picture of the Russian politician. "I look to forward to meeting with you face-to-face to discuss LGBT equality in Russia. @president_vladimir_putin @ejaf #lgbt #lgbtrights #ShareTheLove."

In 2013, Russia banned the promotion of "non-traditional" sexuality – seen as an attack on gay rights. Under the law, providing information on homosexuality to under-18s is a crime, punishable by a fine.

Earlier in September, Aids campaigner and LGBT activist John slammed Putin's attitude to gay people as "isolating and prejudiced" and "ridiculous", referring specifically to the president's warning to gay people coming to watch the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi to "leave the children in peace".

"Give me a break. You are president of Russia, and you go and say stupid things like that?" the 68-year-old crooner told the BBC. "I'd love to meet him, I'd love to sit down and talk to him.

"It's probably pie in the sky but unless you try, unless you put your foot in the water, your toe in the water ... at least if I meet him and say, 'Listen, come on, let's have a cup of tea, let's talk about this', he might laugh behind my back and then he shuts the door and call me an absolute idiot but at least I can have a conscience and say I'd tried."