Vladimir Putin is 'genuinely lovely', says Elton John’s husband David Furnish

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Sir Elton John's husband has described Vladimir Putin as 'genuinely lovely'
David Furnish confirmed star and Russian president are to meet in person
It follows prank where Sir Elton thought Putin wanted to discuss gay rights
He then received a real phone call from Putin who said he wanted to meet
See full news coverage on Vladimir Putin and his position on gay rights

Published: 02:34 EST, 16 October 2015 | Updated: 10:32 EST, 16 October 2015

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Vladimir Putin has been described as 'genuinely lovely' by Elton John's husband David Furnish, who revealed the Russian president and singer are now set to meet to discuss gay rights in person.

Sir Elton received a phone call from Putin last month after the star was tricked by two Russian television comedians pretending to be the 63-year-old leader.

After the joke was revealed, the singer, 68, took it in good humour, insisting he was 'happy to be pranked', as the incident could help highlight gay discrimination.

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Made an impression: Elton John's husband David Furnish (pictured) has called Vladimir Putin 'genuinely lovely'

He then got a real call from Putin, who asked Sir Elton not to be offended by the earlier prank.

Film producer Furnish, 52, has now described the man who backed a civil war in Ukraine and sent forces to help Syrian tyrant Bashar al-Assad, as 'so polite and lovely', according to the Daily Mirror's Hannah Hope.

Speaking at the Attitude awards in London on Wednesday night, he added: 'That may surprise people but I take people as I find them and he was so polite and lovely on the phone.

'He's genuinely lovely. Besides, this isn't about politics - I'm not a politician - it's about humanity.'

Last month Putin's spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed a real call between the Russian leader and Sir Elton had taken place.

He told reporters: 'Putin called and said: "I know you were called by pranksters. Don't get offended by those guys, they are harmless, though this certainly does not justify their actions.

'And Putin said he knew what a popular artist Elton John is, and if their schedules allow it, he is ready to meet and discuss any questions that interest him.'

Sir Elton received a phone call from Putin last month after the star was tricked by two Russian television comedians pretending to be the Russian leader. Film producer Furnish was impressed by Putin's politeness

Sir Elton took to Instagram to describe the prank call as an 'unfortunate incident' - but reaffirmed his offer to talk to Putin about gay rights. He told his followers: 'Pranks are funny. Homophobia, however is never funny'

Vladimir 'Vova' Krasnov and his partner Alexei 'Lexus' Stolyarov tricked Sir Elton into a ten-minute chat about gay rights, with the singer announcing on social media that he was meeting Putin. Mr Krasnov was given his own TV show following the stunt.

Sir Elton took to Instagram to describe the prank call as an 'unfortunate incident' - but reaffirmed his offer to talk to Putin about gay rights.

He told his followers: 'Pranks are funny. Homophobia, however is never funny. I love Russia and my offer to talk to President Putin about LGBT rights still stands.

PUTIN PRANK: FAKE CALL TO SIR ELTON BROADCAST ON RUSSIAN TV

Elton: 'Hello?'

Alexey Stolyarov [posing as Putin’s press secretary Dmitry Peskov]: 'Sir Elton, Hello.'

Elton: 'Hello Dmitry, how are you?'

Peskov: 'I’m fine. I’ll be interpreter between you and Mr Putin.'

Elton: 'Ok, ok thank you. And you tell me what he says, right.'

Peskov: 'Sure.'

Elton: 'Yes please.'

Vladimir Krassnov, posing as Putin [in Russian]: 'Hello Sir Elton. I was told that you wanted to discuss some important issues of Russian life.'

Elton: 'That is incredible. I am a musician and a philanthropic person and a humanitarian. I’m not a politician, but I would love to sit down with president and discuss things face to face because I think we can solve many issues.'

Another extract revealed:

Putin: 'Recently you visited Ukraine and had a conversation with Mr Poroshenko and that was a political meeting.'

Elton: 'No it was not a political thing. I was just asking him to embrace the LGBT population in Ukraine because they can help boost the economy in Ukraine.

'My position in life is that people who are gay should be included in all walks of life and be given basic freedom. I love Russia, it’s been part of my life since 1979 and I just want to make the situation better if I can.'

'I will always stand up for those that are being degraded and discriminated against.

'If this unfortunate incident has helped push this vital issue back into the spotlight, then I am happy to be pranked on this occasion.'

The prank phone call came after Sir Elton accused Putin of saying 'stupid things', such as when he warned gay people travelling to the Winter Olympics to 'leave the children in peace'.

Russia passed a law banning homosexual 'propaganda' among children in June 2013, sparking an international outcry.

The country has also banned same-sex marriage, and opposes support for equal rights for homosexuals.

Sir Elton said Mr Putin's attitude to gay people was 'isolating and prejudiced' and 'ridiculous'.

Speaking to the BBC last month, he added: '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.'

Last month Putin pledged to continue military support for Syria's Bashar al-Assad, claiming it is the only way to beat ISIS.

The Russian leader urged other countries to send military assistance to a government fighting 'terrorist aggression'.

He also claimed the migrant crisis in Europe would be 'even bigger' without Russian support for Syria's government.

Moscow's intervention in Syria has infuriated Saudi Arabia and other foes of Assad who say the Russian air strikes have been hitting rebel groups opposed to the Syrian leader and not just the Islamic State fighters Moscow says it is targeting.

Gulf Arab states suspect the Kremlin's main motive is saving Assad and that counter-terrorism serves as a convenient excuse.

Saudi Arabia, along with Turkey and Qatar, is a leading supporter of the rebels fighting Assad, who is backed by Iran as well as by Russia.

It has reaffirmed that Assad must quit as part of a process agreed at a Syrian conference held in Geneva in June 2012 that set out a path to peace and political transition.

A core element of that plan calls for a future Syrian government to be formed by 'mutual consent' of the authorities and the opposition, a stance Washington has said means Assad cannot stay in power.

Pranksters: Vladimir 'Vova' Krasnov and his partner Alexei 'Lexus' Stolyarov (left) had tricked Sir Elton into a ten-minute chat about gay rights. Mr Krasnov (right) was given his own TV show following the stunt