Kremlin confirms Telegram CEO has never met President Putin

“No, as far as I know, they have never met,” Sputnik (Russia) quoted Mr. Peskov as telling reporters.

The official also said Mr Durov had never held any talks with the Kremlin, adding that no deal had been reached.

On August 24, Mr. Durov, the Russian-born founder of Telegram, was arrested at Paris-Le Bourget airport when his private plane from Azerbaijan landed in Paris on August 25. Mr. Durov is accused of being involved in using the messaging app for illegal purposes - including terrorism, child pornography, drug trafficking, money laundering and fraud.

The 39-year-old billionaire also holds citizenship in several countries, including France. On August 28, Mr. Durov was released on bail, but he was banned from leaving France and had to pay $5.5 million in bail.

French President Emmanuel Macron affirmed that Mr. Durov was arrested for judicial investigation, not related to politics.

Earlier, on August 29, a Kremlin spokesman said that Russia had no comment on France's accusations against Telegram CEO Durov but was monitoring the investigation.

“It is important to prevent the ongoing investigation in France from turning into political persecution. French President Macron has denied any political connection in the case, but on the other hand some accusations have been made since then,” Peskov said.

The Kremlin said Mr Durov was a French citizen and had everything he needed to defend himself legally. “We also consider him a Russian citizen and are ready to provide him with any assistance needed,” Mr Peskov added. “We will see what happens next.”