Putin extends condolences to May, confirms readiness to cooperate in anti-terror fight

Russian President Vladimir Putin extended condolences to UK Prime Minister Theresa May over the terror attack at the Manchester Arena in England, TASS reported citing the Kremlin’s press service. “We strongly condemn this cynical and inhuman crime.

We expect that its masterminds won’t go unpunished,” the Russian president stressed in a telegram. Putin “confirmed readiness to step up anti-terrorist cooperation with British partners – both on bilateral basis and as part of broad international efforts.”

The president extended condolences to the families of the victims and wished speedy recovery to the wounded. According to latest information, twenty-two people, including children, have been killed and 59 injured in a suspected suicide attack at Manchester Arena.

The blast happened at 22:35 BST on Monday at the end of a pop concert by the US singer Ariana Grande. Greater Manchester Police said the lone male attacker, who died in the blast, was carrying an improvised explosive device which he detonated. The UK prime minister is to chair a meeting of the government’s emergency Cobra committee.