ST. PETERSBURG, Russia (AP) — Russian President Vladimir Putin says special counsel Robert Mueller's investigation report validated Moscow's repeated denials of collusion with U.S. between President Donald Trump's campaign.

Speaking at an Arctic forum in St. Petersburg on Tuesday, Putin said claims of collusion by Democrats reflect their failure to accept the outcome of the 2016 presidential election.

Putin says he thinks their attacks on Trump are a disrespect to voters and reflect a crisis of the U.S. political system.

The Russian leader said he hopes partisan fighting in Washington eases so the U.S. and Russia can focus on issues of mutual interest, such as nuclear arms control, fighting terrorism and climate change.

Asked if Russia would support Trump's re-election in 2020, Putin said only that Moscow would "respect the choice of the American people."