The Russian government was in touch with members of President-elect Donald Trump’s campaign staff during the US election campaign, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov has told the Interfax news agency.

“There were contacts,” Interfax cited Mr Ryabkov as saying on Thursday. He did not give details.

When asked whether these contacts would now intensify after Mr Trump’s election victory, Mr Ryabkov said: “These working moments and follow-up on this or that matter will depend on the situation and the questions which face us. But we will of course continue this work after the elections.”

Defeated Democratic presidential contender Hillary Clinton accused Mr Trump of being a “puppet” of President Vladimir Putin during the campaign, and US officials said Russia had hacked into Democratic party emails, something Moscow denied.

Mr Trump has said he might meet Putin before his inauguration, but Mr Putin’s spokesman has said there are currently no plans for such a meeting.

The Russian parliament erupted in applause on Wednesday when it heard that Mr Trump had been elected, and Mr Putin told foreign ambassadors he was ready to fully restore ties with Washington.

Mr Ryabkov was more circumspect in his interview, saying the Russian Foreign Ministry felt no euphoria about the Republican’s win even though it wanted to normalise relations with Washington.

Mr Ryabkov said Mr Trump’s allies had made some tough statements about Russia during the campaign and that his ministry was therefore not harbouring any rose-tinted hopes.

“We are not expecting anything in particular from the new US administration,” Interfax cited Mr Ryabkov as saying.

Trump supporters in Russia unveil triptych portraits of Putin, Trump and Le Pen. In case you were in any doubt as to the trend here. pic.twitter.com/s5BPhejLHz

— Alex Andreou (@sturdyAlex) November 9, 2016