Vladimir Putin has said Russia’s borders “do not end anywhere” during a live televised awards ceremony for students in Moscow.

On stage, the Russian president asked a nine-year-old boy: “Where does Russia’s border end?” The child answered “at the Bering Strait with the United States”.

Mr Putin then gave his own answer, adding "it was a joke” to applause and laughter from the audience.

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Shape Created with Sketch. Putin celebrates his 63rd birthday playing hockey Show all 5 left Created with Sketch. right Created with Sketch. Shape Created with Sketch. Putin celebrates his 63rd birthday playing hockey 1/5 Russian President Vladimir Putin spent his 63rd birthday on the ice, playing hockey with NHL stars against Russian officials and tycoons 2/5 Vladimir Putin takes part in a gala game opening match of the Night Hockey League new season in Sochi EPA 3/5 Vladimir Putin takes part in a gala game, opening a new season of the Night Ice Hockey League in Sochi, Russia EPA 4/5 Vladimir Putin (C) shows off his hockey skills during the match of the Night Hockey League new season in Sochi EPA 5/5 Vladimir Putin and Night Hockey League President Alexander Yakushev attend a gala opening match of the Night Hockey League new season in Sochi EPA 1/5 Russian President Vladimir Putin spent his 63rd birthday on the ice, playing hockey with NHL stars against Russian officials and tycoons 2/5 Vladimir Putin takes part in a gala game opening match of the Night Hockey League new season in Sochi EPA 3/5 Vladimir Putin takes part in a gala game, opening a new season of the Night Ice Hockey League in Sochi, Russia EPA 4/5 Vladimir Putin (C) shows off his hockey skills during the match of the Night Hockey League new season in Sochi EPA 5/5 Vladimir Putin and Night Hockey League President Alexander Yakushev attend a gala opening match of the Night Hockey League new season in Sochi EPA

The phrase “Russia’s borders” became a top trend on Twitter within minutes.

Ukraine’s ambassador to Finland responded on social media, writing “Russia’s border ends nowhere” alongside an image of a ruined log cabin.

The event was put on by the Russian geographical society, which is headed by Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu.

In July 2014, Mr Putin promised to defend ethnic Russians wherever they lived during a speech to Foreign Ministry employees.

"I would like to make it clear to all, our country will continue to actively defend the rights of Russians, our compatriots abroad, using the entire range of available means - from political and economic to operations under international humanitarian law and the right of self-defence."

The Russian president’s latest comments come amid rising tensions with Europe.

The EU has just approved a resolution to fight Russian “propaganda warfare”, while Moscow is moving missiles closer to Europe over “concern” about Nato expansion.

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