Russian President Vladimir Putin said Thursday he intended to sign into law a bill banning Americans from adopting Russian children that has raised tensions between Moscow and Washington.

"I do not yet see any reason why I should not sign it," Putin told a meeting of top officials in the Kremlin.

"I intend not only to sign the law but also a presidential decree on changing the way orphans are supported."

The tough legislation was drafted in retaliation for a new US law sanctioning Russian officials implicated in the prison death of lawyer Sergei Magnitsky in 2009.

It was easily passed by both houses of parliament earlier this month and is widely seen as the strongest piece of anti-Western legislation considered during Putin's 13-year rule.

Putin mounted a firm defense of the measure Thursday despite protests from Washington and even such senior Russian government members as Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov.

He accused the US of "acting brazenly and arrogantly" by allegedly refusing Russian officials access to adopted children who were reported to be harmed by their new US families.

He also rejected the argument of those who believe the law limits the opportunities of children who would struggle if they remain in Russia.

"There are lots of places in the world where living standards are higher than they are here," said Putin.

"And what? Are we going to send all our children there? Perhaps we should move there ourselves?"

He also cited Israel as an example of a country that does not send its children abroad despite domestic concerns about the security situation there.

AFP