Vladimir Putin addresses the assassination of the commentator Charlie Kirk

Russian President Vladimir Putin said Thursday that Charlie Kirk’s assassination was a sign of a “deep rift” in American society, while offering his condolences to the family of the conservative militant.

Speaking at the Valdai discussion club of Sochi, during a Russian expert forum, Putin addressed the murder, according to Reuters.

“It is a disgusting atrocity, especially since it was broadcast live. We all saw it. It was really horrible,” said Putin. “First and foremost, I present my condolences to Mr. Kirk’s family and all his loved ones. We sympathize and sympathizers.”

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Russian President Vladimir Putin condemned Charlie Kirk’s murder on Thursday while speaking to a panel of Russian experts. (Getty Images)

“What happened is a reflection of a deep division into society. In the United States, I do not think that it is necessary to degenerate the situation outside, while the political leadership of the country strives to restore order at the national level,” he added.

Kirk was shot in September when he was expressed at the University of Utah Valley.

His alleged killer, Tyler Robinson, faces seven accusations, including aggravated homicide – who carries the potential death penalty – the liberation of the madness of a firearm, obstruction and falsification of witnesses.

Robinson returned to court on Monday and is expected to appear again on October 30. Prosecutors said they had already collected “bulky” evidence against him.

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Charlie Kirk speaks before being murdered during the visit to Turning Point at the University of Utah Valley in Orem, Utah, Wednesday, September 10, 2025. (Tess Crowley / The Deseret News via AP)

Kirk’s murder has intensified the debate on political violence in the United States. Republican leaders urged democrats to moderate their rhetoric towards President Donald Trump and to adopt greater tolerance for opposite opinions.

In addition to treating Kirk’s death, Putin also responded to the recent characterization of Russia Trump as “paper tiger”.

“A paper tiger? So go treat with this paper tiger,” said Putin. “If we fight the entire NATO block, let’s go ahead, move forward and we feel confident, and we are always called paper tiger-then what is NATO itself?”

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Last week, Trump predicted that Ukraine could recover all of its territories from Russia before labeling Moscow a “paper tiger”.