MOSCOW - Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday denounced the scandals over Donald Trump's ties to Moscow, adding that he would be happy to meet with his US counterpart this year.

Speaking at an international forum on the Arctic organized by Russia in the northern city of Arkhangelsk, Putin once again denied any Kremlin involvement in the US election last year, slamming the recent accusations as "absurd" and "irresponsible".

"We are just waiting for when the situation improves," Putin said in televised comments. "When it's over, I hope we decide on holding a meeting (with Trump)."