President Putin offers condolences to Ukrainian people

Russian President Vladimir Putin has expressed condolences to his Ukrainian counterpart, Leonid Kuchma, and Prime Minister Viktor Yanukovich over the Krasnolimanskaya coal mine tragedy, according to the Kremlin press office.

"The Russian people along with our Ukrainian brothers and sisters are mourning over the victims to the tragedy at the Krasnolimanskaya mine," the Russian president said in a telegram to President Kuchma. "The lives of coal miners, who had chosen that daring, difficult, but important job, ended tragically."

Mr. Putin said the rescue efforts that were taking place at the site would hopefully be successful. He also asked to convey his condolences and words of support to the near and dear of those who died or were injured in the accident.

The Russian leader also sent a telegram to Mr. Yanukovich, which reads - "We are treating the accident as our common mischief and share the brotherly Ukraine's sorrow. I understand that the accident that occurred in your native region was particularly hurtful to you."