Russian President Vladimir Putin urged his country's sports authorities to fully cooperate with international anti-doping agencies and hold an internal investigation into allegations of widespread and systemic doping among its athletes on Wednesday (11th November)

Putin also stressed 'competition has to be fair' at a news conference in Sochi.

SOUNDBITE (Russian) Vladimir Putin, President of Russia:

"Concerning the recent events related to our Athletic Federation, first of all I ask the Sports Minister (Vitaly Mutko) and all colleagues who are connected to sport somehow to pay close attention on this." Secondly it's necessary to hold our own internal investigation and to provide maximum open, I would like to stress on this open, professional cooperation with international anti-doping agencies"

SOUNDBITE (Russian) Vladimir Putin, President of Russia:

"I agree this is not only a Russian problem but if our foreign colleagues have questions about them, they have to be answered too. And that has to be done in open, professional and conscientious cooperation with our collegues."

SOUNDBITE (Russian) Vladimir Putin, President of Russia:

"Anyway we have to defend our athletes from using prohibited drugs. First of all, it's necessary for our athletes, for their own health. And of course the compeition has to be fair."

SOUNDBITE (Russian) Vladimir Putin, President of Russia:

"If we come to the conclusion that somebody has to take responsibility for something that breaks existing anti-doping rules, this responsibility has to be personified. This is the general rule. Responsibility has to always be personified. And, for sure, those athletes who are far removed from doping, have never touched or used drugs, shouldn't be held responsible for others who break some rules."