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Russian President Vladimir Putin has publicly condemned the assassination of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Getting into it: In a statement posted on the Kremlin website, Putin described the killing as “a murder committed in cynical violation of all norms of human morality and international law.” He offered his “deep condolences” to Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, the government, and the people of Iran, praising Khamenei as “an outstanding statesman who made a huge personal contribution to the development of friendly Russian-Iranian relations, bringing them to the level of a comprehensive strategic partnership.” Russia’s Foreign Ministry went further, calling the joint US-Israeli operation a “pre-planned and unprovoked act of armed aggression against a sovereign and independent UN member state” and warning it could push the region toward “a humanitarian, economic and, not exclude, a radiological catastrophe.” Russia has since demanded “an immediate return of the situation to a political and diplomatic settlement.”

Notably, Iran has become one of Russia’s most important strategic partners, particularly since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022 deepened its isolation from the West. The two countries signed a long-term strategic partnership agreement and expanded military and energy cooperation, with Iran also providing weapons for Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine.

Some believe that if the Iranian regime were to collapse and shift toward a more pro-Western government, it could severely undermine Russian influence in the Middle East, jeopardize joint infrastructure projects such as the North–South transport corridor, disrupt energy investments, and impact their ongoing operations in Ukraine.

This all comes as governments around the world respond directly to the killing of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, with reactions ranging from outright condemnation to open support for the strike.

China said it “strongly condemns” the killing, describing it as “a serious violation of Iran’s sovereignty and security.”

European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas called Khamenei’s death “a defining moment in Iran’s history,” adding, “What comes next is uncertain,” as the bloc convened emergency talks.

UK Defense Secretary John Healey said “no one will mourn” Khamenei’s death, though he emphasized protecting British personnel from potential retaliation.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said he was “saddened” by Khamenei’s death and extended his “sympathies” to the Iranian people.

Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif offered condolences on what he called the “martyrdom” of Khamenei.

Malaysia’s Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said he “unreservedly” condemns the killing, warning it places the region on “the edge of grave and sustained instability.”

North Korea described the strike as an “illegal act of aggression,” while Hamas called it a “heinous” attack and said the United States and Israel bear “full responsibility” for its consequences.