Russian President Putin condemns deadly Islamabad bombing, extends support to Pakistan

MOSCOW: Russian President Vladimir Putin condemned the devastating bombing at a mosque in Islamabad, Pakistan. Putin also promised Russia's support to Pakistan in its fight against terrorism. Putin expressed his support in a condolence message sent to Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. Kremlin expressed solidarity with the victims of the attack and with the nation.

Putin said that the deadly killing amidst religious ceremonies is evidence of the cruelty that can go to no bounds in terrorism.

Russia's support for Pakistan comes in the wake of the India-US trade deal and the US announcement that India had agreed to stop buying crude oil from Russia. The White House had earlier announced that it would withdraw the additional 25 per cent tariff imposed if given assurance that the country would not import oil from Russia, directly or indirectly. The US had also warned of drastic consequences if India continued with their purchase of Russian oil in any form.