Putin’s surprising tribute to the Queen
Vladimir Putin has extended a shock gesture to the grieving new King despite relations between Russia and the UK spiralling to an all-time low.
Russian president Vladimir Putin has sent his condolences to King Charles III after the passing of Queen Elizabeth II overnight.
Despite recent tensions with the United Kingdom, the Russian leader passed his touching condolences to King Charles III in a letter released by the Kremlin
The letter described the late Queen as worthy and respected leader.
“Your Majesty, Please accept our deepest condolences on the passing of Queen Elizabeth II,” Mr Putin wrote.
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“The most important events in the recent history of the United Kingdom are inextricably linked with the name of Her Majesty. For many decades, Elizabeth II rightfully enjoyed the love and respect of her subjects, as well as authority on the world stage.”
“I wish you courage and perseverance in the face of this heavy, irreparable loss. I ask you to convey the words of sincere sympathy and support to the members of the royal family and all the people of Great Britain.”
“Sincerely, Vladimir Putin.”
Mr Putin and the Queen had only met on a handful of occasions.
In one eventful meeting between the Queen and Mr Putin in 2003, Her Majesty was reportedly kept waiting by the Russian president for 14 minutes.
In 2014, King Charles III allegedly likened Mr Putin to Adolf Hitler in a conversation with a Jewish museum volunteer. However, the alleged comparison was never confirmed.
The surprising gesture from Putin comes amid the bloody Ukraine war in which Russia is largely seen as the aggressor.
The Russia-Ukraine conflict has severely strained relations between the two global powers of late with the United Kingdom aiding the Ukrainian resistance to the tune of £3.8 billion ($6.454 billion Australian) since fighting began in February.
Just days before the Queen’s passing, the Kremlin said it expected “no improvement” to the two nations deteriorating relationship under incoming Prime Minister Liz Truss.
“Judging by the announcements about our country Mrs Truss made as Foreign Minister and as a candidate for the post it is quite safe to suggest that no improvement for the better may be expected,” Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said according to Russian news agency Tass.
The UK is one of numerous western countries subject to heavy Russian economic sanctions in response to the conflict.
Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky also expressed his sadness at the Queen’s passing.
“On behalf of the (Ukraine) people, we extend sincere condolences to the Royal Family, the entire United Kingdom and the Commonwealth over this irreparable loss,” he said.
It is with deep sadness that we learned of the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. On behalf of the 🇺🇦 people, we extend sincere condolences to the @RoyalFamily, the entire United Kingdom and the Commonwealth over this irreparable loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
— Володимир ЗеленÑький (@ZelenskyyUa) September 8, 2022
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“Our thoughts and prayers are with you.”
Queen Elizabeth died at Balmoral Castle in Scotland overnight.
The Queen’s death was announced at 6.30pm local time (3.30am AEST). Britain’s longest-serving monarch was 96 years old.
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