Overview
- Speaking at the Valdai forum in Sochi, Vladimir Putin called the on-camera shooting a “disgusting” crime and offered condolences to Charlie Kirk’s family.
- Putin said the assassination reflected a deep split in American society and cast the incident as a symptom of internal U.S. divisions.
- He stated there is no need for Russia to escalate in response to the killing.
- Accused gunman Tyler Robinson faces seven counts including aggravated homicide, with prosecutors citing voluminous evidence and a scheduled court appearance on Oct. 30.
- Putin also answered President Donald Trump’s “paper tiger” remark about Russia, challenging NATO in his response.