Russian President Vladimir Putin sent a telegram of condolences to French President Francois Hollande in the wake of Friday night's terrorist attacks in Paris, the Kremlin press service reported Saturday.
Almost 130 people were killed in the French capital as a result of a series of co-ordinated gun and bomb attacks. At least 180 people are wounded, 80 of whom are in a critical condition, the BBC news agency reported Saturday.
Putin extended his condolences to the people of France in his official message to Hollande, and confirmed that Russia was ready to assist France in investigating the crime committed against peaceful citizens in Paris.
"In this hour of trial for France I would like you to convey our sincere sympathy and support to the families and friends of the victims and our wishes of a speedy recovery to all those who suffered at the hands of the extremists," Putin said, the Kremlin press service reported.
Friday's tragedy was proof of the challenge terrorism presents to civilisation and the international community must work together to counter its "barbaric nature," the Russian president said.
Hollande said that the attacks were an "act of war" carried out by Islamic State militants. France has declared the country in a state of emergency with the security threat level at its highest point.
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