ASTANA, October 14. /TASS/. President Vladimir Putin has rebuked his French counterpart’s assertion that Russia has allegedly been playing what Macron suggested was a destructive role in Nagorno-Karabakh.

Speaking at a CIS summit, the Russian leader said he was surprised to read some comments by French President Emmanuel Macron on Thursday.

Macron might be unaware what were the positions of the parties involved, "therefore they (the French president’s statements - TASS) were incorrect, I’d say even distorted, this is why [they] are objectionable," Putin added.

The Russian leader said he would discuss the issue with Macron, if the two have an opportunity to do so. "Russia has always been seeking to resolve any conflict, including the issues around Karabakh," he added.

Commenting on various confrontations within the CIS, Putin said Moscow would welcome "any mediation, if only that would help calm the situation to the benefit of all those involved in any disputes or conflicts." "The same is also true for our partners anywhere, be it from the United States or Europe," Putin concluded.