Putin calls Elton John, and this time it's real

Russian President Vladimir Putin called pop star Elton John and suggested a meeting, the president's spokesman said on Thursday, after the British singer was tricked last week by a prankster impersonating the Russian leader.

"Putin ... had a talk with Elton John," said Putin's spokesman, Dmitry Peskov. The Kremlin later confirmed the call on its website.

John did not initially believe that this time the call was for real, Peskov said. "You know, he was doubtful for a while."