Putin Calls Khamenei's Death a "Cynical Murder"... Strongly Condemns US-Israel Airstrikes [US Iran Airstrikes]

Putin: "Assassination Violated International Law"
Draws Line at Direct Military Involvement

President Vladimir Putin of Russia has condemned the death of Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, as a "cynical murder" and strongly criticized the airstrikes by the United States and Israel.

Vladimir Putin, President of Russia. Reuters Yonhap News.

According to major foreign media outlets and the Kremlin on March 1 (local time), President Putin expressed deep regret over the deaths of Khamenei and his close associates in a letter sent to Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian. In his letter, President Putin stated, "I offer my deepest condolences over the assassination of Iran's Supreme Leader Khamenei and his family, which cynically violated all norms of human morality and international law."

President Putin commemorated Khamenei as a figure who made a significant contribution to the development of friendly relations between Russia and Iran. He said, "In our country, Khamenei will be remembered as an outstanding statesman who elevated the relationship between our two nations to the level of a comprehensive strategic partnership," and asked that "the most sincere condolences and support be conveyed to the Supreme Leader's family, the Iranian government, and the Iranian people."

Russia and Iran have shown increasingly close ties since signing a comprehensive strategic partnership treaty in January of last year. However, it is known that this treaty does not include provisions for mutual military support. Even in the current situation involving large-scale airstrikes by the United States and Israel, Russia is focusing on diplomatic support through statements of condemnation and has not taken direct military action.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.