US election 2016: Why Russia is celebrating Trump win

Deputies in Russia's parliament broke into applause at the news Donald Trump had been elected US president.

Vladimir Putin wasted no time sending his congratulations and state TV channels switched quickly from claims of fraud, to hailing the triumph of the "man of the people".

Donald Trump's win clearly suits Moscow.

In a telegram dispatched soon after the victory speech, President Putin hoped the two could work together to end the "crisis" in US-Russian relations.

He also called for constructive dialogue, based on "mutual respect and a real consideration for the other's interests".