Putin Condemns Charlie Hebdo Attack in Phone Call With Hollande: Kremlin

MOSCOW, January 8 (Sputnik) — Russian President Vladimir Putin has condemned the Wednesday attack on the Charlie Hebdo magazine office in his phone conversation with President Francois Hollande and asked his French counterpart to convey his sympathies to the victims’ families, the Kremlin press service reported Thursday.

“Putin conveyed his most sincere condolences to Francois Hollande and the people of France regarding the terrorist attack on Charlie Hebdo magazine staff,” said the statement published on the Kremlin’s official website.

“The Russian leader condemned this act of barbarism and expressed hope that all of its perpetrators will be found and duly punished. He asked Hollande to convey the words of deepest sympathy to the families of those deceased and wished a speedy recovery to those injured,” the statement said, adding that Francois Hollande thanked Russian President for his friendly support.

On Wednesday morning, three masked men opened fire in the office of satirical weekly magazine in Paris, Charlie Hebdo, killing 12 people, including two police officers and injuring 11.

French President Francois Hollande declared Thursday a day of mourning. Flags will also fly at half-mast across the country for three days.

The Kremlin press service reported Wednesday that Russian President Vladimir Putin has condemned a deadly terrorist attack in Paris and confirmed Moscow's readiness to continue cooperating with France in the battle against terrorism.