ARCHANGELSK, March 30. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin is not against businessman Oleg Deripaska speaking to the US Congress regarding his involvement in promoting the Kremlin’s interests through contacts with Donald Trump’s ex-election campaign manager Paul Manafort.

"If a representative of our business goes, holds meetings and speaks to Congress, let it be so! This is his right, we have nothing against it," Putin explained.

Deripaska was denied entry to the United States, Putin said.

"Nobody explains why he was denied, let them say why! Let him go the United States and speak to the Congress," the Russian president said. "If law enforcement agencies and special services bring any real claims based on something against him, then at least it will be clear to us, what they are associated with," Putin said.

"Things happen, business is a tough subject matter," the president noted.

"Some breaches could be possible, but we are unaware of them. If there are, let them be presented! This will be a good signal and a good case in this sense. We will be also ready to meet with representatives of the Congress and the Senate in Moscow and we are always glad to meet our business friends from the US," Putin added.