"When I saw you getting off the plane and carrying your things, I got a bit upset," Putin began as the pair met for talks at the Kremlin where Kerry is set to try and shift the Russian leader's position on Syria's Bashar al-Assad.
"On the one hand, it's very democratic, on the other hand, I thought, things must be getting bad in the US," Putin said with a small laugh, "if there is nobody to help the Secretary of State with his briefcase".
"It must be money you brought, to better haggle with us on key issues," Putin joked, looking across the table at a smiling Kerry.
"When we have a private moment, I'll show you what's in my briefcase," Kerry replied.
"I think you will be surprised, pleasantly.