This past Saturday, which was April Fool’s Day, the automated answering message for all Russian embassies was changed to include options for requesting services of Russian hackers and ‘election interference’.

Russian President Vladimir Putin confirmed that the jocular message had been approved by him.

“It is true that on April Fool’s Day you could select an option to obtain election interference. Though any other day is also fine. We just happened to pick April 1st to change the message.”

When asked if it was just a prank, Putin appeared confused.

“I don’t understand. How can it be a prank if it has already happened for real. Then it’s not funny, at least in that way. In another sense it’s hilarious.”

Putin then excused himself as he had an upcoming election in France to adjudicate.