"The Russian side expresses its concern over the attempt on the life of the East Timor president, and hopes political stability in East Timor will be maintained, as a fundamental condition for a successful solution to the complicated problems it is facing. And in the interests of strengthening national unity and ensuring social and economic development," the ministry said in a statement.
Jose Ramos-Horta, the president of a state that received independence from Indonesia six years ago, was shot in the stomach and chest at his residence in Dili by rebel soldiers.
Australian radio said about 200 soldiers and police will be dispatched to Dili to provide assistance.
Disturbances in East Timor flared up in mid-2007 when about 600 servicemen, who were on strike against, what they called, the tough military regime, lost their jobs. The country's regular army only has about 840 service personnel left.
