Russian President Vladimir Putin held a meeting with heads of international news agencies on the sidelines of the Saint Petersburg International Economic Forum on Thursday.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said that his recent talk with his American counterpart Donald Trump "instilled" him "with some optimism" about future global security, speaking at a meeting with heads of international news agencies on the sidelines of the Saint Petersburg International Economic Forum on Thursday.

Putin went on to say that he "totally agrees" with Trump who is concerned about the size of US defence spending which "could be directed elsewhere."

Touching upon the issue of prolongation of the START-3 treaty, Putin mentioned that "if no one wants to extend" it, Russia won't do it either.

The Russian leader also said that the Russian military and specialists "had done some kind of work" in Venezuela, adding that Russia doesn't create any "military bases" or "send troops there." "We fulfilled and will fulfil our contract obligations in military and technical cooperation field," Putin concluded.

The annual St. Petersburg International Economic Forum runs from Wednesday until Saturday.

The forum brings together the heads of international organisations, well-known public figures, leading academics, experts and the media.