The killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and his relatives was committed in a cynical violation of all norms of human morality and international law, Russian President Vladimir Putin said in a telegram of condolences to Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian.

“Please accept my deepest condolences in connection with the killing of the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Seyyed Ali Khamenei, and members of his family, committed in a cynical violation of all norms of human morality and international law,” the telegram, published on the Kremlin’s website, states.

“In our country, Ayatollah Khamenei will be remembered as an outstanding statesman who made an enormous personal contribution to the development of friendly Russian-Iranian relations, elevating them to the level of a comprehensive strategic partnership,” the message says. The Russian leader also conveyed words of sincere sympathy and support to Khamenei’s relatives and loved ones, as well as to the government and the people of Iran.