Deputy Labor leader responds to Abbott’s ‘shirtfront’ threat, saying Russia needs to know how seriously Australia takes the MH17 investigation

Plibersek echoed the words of the Russian prime minister, Dmitry Medvedev, who said “serious politicians should choose their words” more carefully.

Overnight, the president’s spokesman, Dmitry Peskov, said the Russian government did not intend to respond to Abbott’s “colourful language”, but that as a part of the G20, the Russian president was “free” to visit the summit in Brisbane

On Tuesday Abbott said his office had not requested a meeting with Putin as his schedule was being finalised and the summit was still a month away. However Abbott made clear his expectation Putin would meet him.

“I certainly expect that while he’s a guest of Australia, he will undertake to have a conversation with the Australian prime minister.”

Russia is a part of G20 and the Russian president is free to visit the summit in Australia,” Peskov said.

“His visit isn’t going to be a bilateral visit upon the invitation from the Australian side.

“As soon as Mr Putin confirms his visit we’ll make a relevant statement. The Russian government does not intend to respond to Mr Abbott’s colourful language.

“Mr Putin is unlikely to seek bilateral talks with Mr Abbott. Mr Putin’s office will be waiting for more diplomatic and pleasant occasion to get in touch with Mr Abbott’s office.”