Annie has criticised Russia's anti-gay laws in a new video.

The singer has released a promo clip for the song 'Russian Kiss' on the same day the country begins to host the Winter Olympic Games.

Russia and its president Vladimir Putin regularly come under fire for laws which prohibit people promoting homosexuality to youths.

The 'Russian Kiss' video sees a number of same-sex couples getting passionate. Money made from the song's iTunes sales meanwhile will partly go to gay rights charity All Out.

Annie wrote on her website: "The Winter Olympics are not just skating styles, waxing techniques and jump lengths. The Winter Olympics are also deep emotions: interpersonal, national, and global. Millions of TV-viewers are witness to these emotions. Usually, they find their expression in embraces and kisses. "You can observe this at the finishing area and during the medal ceremony - teammates embracing each other, winners kissing their partners.

"This may be difficult when the Olympic Games take place in Sochi in February. As we know, Vladimir Putin has introduced laws prohibiting gays and lesbians to show their love in public in Russia. Furthermore, it is prohibited to talk positively about homosexuality in public. This is the reason why an increasing number of leaders worldwide have decided to boycott this year's Olympics."