Support The Moscow Times!

Putin Offers Condolences to Orlando Shooting Victims

President Vladimir Putin answering questions from the press in Paris on Nov. 30, 2015. Kremlin Press Service

Russian President Vladimir Putin has offered his condolences to U.S. President Barack Obama and all U.S. citizens affected by the mass shooting at a gay nightclub in Orlando, Florida, the Kremlin press office reported Sunday.

In a telegram sent to the U.S. president, Putin said that Russia shared the pain and sorrow of those who had lost their loved ones as a result of the “barbaric” attack and was hoping for the quick recovery of the wounded.

Fifty people have been reported dead at the Pulse nightclub in Orlando after Omar Mateen, 29, began shooting into the crowd in the early hours of June 12. In a call to the emergency services, Mateen allegedly said that he had been inspired by the Islamic State to carry out the attack. He was killed as police stormed the building, Reuters reported.

The Islamic State is a terrorist organization banned in Russia.

… we have a small favor to ask.

As you may have heard, The Moscow Times, an independent news source for over 30 years, has been unjustly branded as a "foreign agent" by the Russian government. This blatant attempt to silence our voice is a direct assault on the integrity of journalism and the values we hold dear.

We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. Our commitment to providing accurate and unbiased reporting on Russia remains unshaken. But we need your help to continue our critical mission.

Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just 2. It's quick to set up, and you can be confident that you're making a significant impact every month by supporting open, independent journalism. Thank you.

Continue

Read more