TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Russian President Vladimir Putin, offered assistance to Syria and Turkey after the two countries were hit by a massive 7.9 magnitude earthquake.

Russia is known to have close relations with Syria and Turkey. Putin has been known to be a loyal supporter of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. In addition, he is also a friend of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who attempted to mediate and stop the war between Russia and Ukraine.

"Please accept my deepest condolences for the massive victims and destruction caused by the devastating earthquake in your country," Putin said to Erdogan as reported by Reuters. "In relation to this matter, we are ready to provide much-needed assistance," he added.

In a similar message to Assad, Putin stated that Russia "also felt the sadness and grief of those lost their loved ones. Putin also stated that Russia is ready to provide assistance.

Russia claimed that it has prepared two Ilyushin-76 aircraft to engage in rescue missions and ready to be flown to Turkey to help search for the missing victims. The Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations (EMERCOM) stated that 100 rescue officers are on standby.

REUTERS

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