ANTALYA, November 15. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin, who has had a series of contacts with other leaders at the Group of Twenty summit in Turkey’s Antalya, was "one of the most popular figures," Russia’s Sherpa at the summit Svetlana Lukash said on Sunday.

Speaking to journalists, she shared their opinion that attitudes to Russia, rather cool at the previous G20 summit last year, have somewhat improved. "As a participant in those events, I can say that even then no extreme strains had been felt and here there was a very friendly atmosphere," she said.

"For instance, at a reception on behalf of the Turkish prime minister in honour of the high guests today, the leaders spoke with each other and with representatives of civil society, business, trade unions, and I think Putin was among the most popular figures at the reception, with everybody wanting to speak with him," Lukash said. "That is why I cannot say that the old ice has been melted.".