Russian President Vladimir Putin has said insulting Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) doesn't count as the expression of artistic freedom.

Addressing annual news conference, he said insults to the prophet (PBUH) are a violation of religious freedom and sacred feelings of people, who profess Islam.

The Russian President said his country has evolved as a multi-ethnic and multi-confessional state.

Putin also criticised posting photos of Nazis on websites such as the one titled the Immortal Regiment dedicated to Russians that died in World War Two.

Putin said these acts give rise to extremist reprisals, citing as an example the attack on the editorial office of Charlie Hebdo magazine in Paris after its publication of cartoons of the Prophet PBUH.

While praising artistic freedom in general, Putin said it has its limits and it should not infringe on other freedoms.

PM Imran Khan welcomed Russian President Putin's statement and stressed that Muslim leaders should spread the message to leaders of the non-Muslim world to counter Islamophobia.

Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi also appreciated the Russian president statement.