Russian President Vladimir Putin, in a special address to his nation, said the crime was an obvious reaction to both the improving relations between Moscow and Ankara, as well as the joint effort between Russia, Turkey, Iran and others to advance a peaceful solution to the Syrian conflict. Putin stressed, however, that the attempt has failed as Moscow will step up its fight against terror. “The answer to this can only be strengthening of fight against terror and the bandits will feel the difference.” / “The committed crime is obviously a provocation designed to spoil normalization of Russia-Turkey relations and derailing peace process in Syria which is actively promoted by Russia, Turkey, Iran and other countries interested in reconcilement of inter-Syria conflict,” said Putin.
Among other countries around the world, Israel strongly condemned the brutal murder of the Russian Ambassador. A statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Bureau said that Israel sent its condolences to the ambassador’s family and to the people of Russian. Prime Minister Netanyahu stressed that the diplomat’s murder highlighted the need of the civilized world to unite in the battle against terrorist forces.