Russia deeply saddened by Shinzo Abe's death

Russian politicians pointed out Abe's professionalism and diplomatic qualities. They pointed out that Abe was a strong politician, one of the few who advocated ties and peace with Russia.

Russian President Vladimir Putin sent a telegram of condolences to Shinzo Abe's wife and mother.

"The hand of a criminal cut short the life of an outstanding statesman who headed the Japanese government for a long time and did a lot to develop good neighborly relations between our countries," Putin wrote. 

Dmitry Medvedev, Deputy Chairman of the Security Council, expressed his condolences in connection with the death of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe:

"Former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe was one of the few politicians who advocated the development of ties with Russia. The organizers and perpetrators of the crime that led to his death must suffer the most severe punishment," he wrote on his Telegram channel.

Putin's official spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that Moscow was "deeply saddened" by the killing of the former prime minister of Japan.

"The Kremlin is deeply saddened by the death of Abe and strongly condemns this assassination attempt. Abe was a patriot, he defended Japan's interests at the negotiating table, he had a good relationship with Putin because of that. The president will send a telegram of condolences," Peskov said.

It is worthy of note that India declared national mourning in connection with Shinzo Abe's death.

According to Senator Alexander Bashkin, former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe had come very close to restoring friendly relations between Russia and Japan. 

According to Bashkin, Japan's new Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has destroyed the relations.

Konstantin Kosachev, the vice-speaker of the Federation Council, also expressed his condolences.

"Terrible news coming from Japan. As prime minister, Shinzo Abe personally oversaw a long-term and very effective project of interregional cooperation through the upper houses of the Russian and Japanese parliaments. May his memory live forever!" he wrote in his Telegram channel.

According to Alexei Chepa, First Deputy Chairman of the State Duma Committee on International Affairs, the number of "serious" politicians in the world has been declining. 

"Today we can observe that the political leaders of many countries are clearly weak. Unfortunately, this sometimes leads to tragic consequences. The galaxy of strong politicians who influenced the situation and could control it both in their own country and in the world is fading. Abe was a strong politician, he did quite a lot to maintain peace in the region and in the world," Chepa wrote, adding that he saw no prospects for improving relations between Russia and Japan today.