Vladimir Putin Claims Media Exaggerates Fallout Between Him And Western Leaders In G20 Brisbane

Russian President Vladimir Putin has denied he had left the G20 summit in Brisbane early because he was under pressure. Claiming lack of sleep, he talked to Prime Minister Tony Abbott and explained he needed to get back home to work in Moscow and sleep for a few hours.

Mr Putin praised the G20's "constructive atmosphere" and told reporters that the alleged fallout between him and the leaders of Western countries was an exaggeration by media. The Guardian said Mr Putin was the first to leave the international event in Australia.

The Russian president told reporters in Moscow he was the first to go since he had to work and needed about four or five hours sleep. Mr Putin left Australia shortly before U.S. President Barack Obama opened talks on Ukraine where Russia is supporting separatist rebels after the annexation of Crimea in March.

In a news conference, Mr Putin had praised Mr Abbott for hosting the summit and providing a good welcoming and working atmosphere. He said the Australian prime minister was "very understanding."

Australia, Japan and the U.S. had issued a statement to condemn Russia's actions in Ukraine. Reports said Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper had reacted to an offer of a handshake from Mr Putin. Mr Harper told the Russian president that he will shake his hand. He told Mr Putin to "get out of Ukraine."

Ukraine has gravitated towards the European Union which angered Mr Putin who wants to keep the former member of the Soviet Union within reach. Mr Obama had accused Mr Putin of not living up to the ceasefire in Ukraine. No new plans were announced as to how the West might react.

The U.S. president spoke after meeting with European leaders, including British Prime Minister David Cameron, German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Francois Hollande regarding the worsening security issue in Ukraine. The Age reported that when Mr Obama was asked about the possibility of additional sanctions on Russia, he said the U.S. and European partners were always considering more penalties but the current restrictions were "biting plenty good."

Fears of another Cold War happening soon have emerged, but Mr Cameron does not believe the rumour. Mr Putin said his speech at the G20 that there was a good chance of arriving at a solution to the Ukraine conflict. He downplayed concerns of escalating Russian military activity in the region.