Putin, Zelensky Extend Condolences to Royal Family After Queen's Death

Queen Elizabeth II's death is drawing sympathetic responses from the leaders of Russia and Ukraine despite increasingly frosty relations between the British government and the Kremlin.

Both Vladimir Putin and Volodymyr Zelensky, the respective presidents of Russia and Ukraine, offered their condolences following Elizabeth's death Thursday at age 96. The reactions from Putin and Zelensky are a rare convergence of perspectives following Russia's February 24 invasion of Ukraine. The queen's death marks a pause in Russia's increasingly combative posture toward Britain over its vocal backing of Ukraine.

Zelensky expressed "deep sadness" over the death of Elizabeth in a tweet.

"On behalf of the [Ukrainian flag emoji] people, we extend sincere condolences to the @RoyalFamily, the entire United Kingdom and the Commonwealth over this irreparable loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you," he said.

Putin issued a statement directed to King Charles III, Elizabeth's successor, offering "our deepest condolences" while wishing him courage in "the face of this heavy, irreparable loss."

"The most important events in the recent history of the United Kingdom are inextricably linked with the name of Her Majesty," wrote Putin. "For many decades, Elizabeth II rightfully enjoyed the love and respect of her subjects, as well as authority on the world stage."

Putin added, "I ask you to convey the words of sincere sympathy and support to the members of the royal family and all the people of Great Britain."

Andrey Gurulev, a Russian general and politician, suggested just a week earlier that Russia should launch a devastating attack on the U.K. that he said would mean the "end of the British Crown."

Yuri Kot, a Russian political commentator, said during an appearance last month on state-run television that the Kremlin should launch missiles at the U.S. and U.K. if there is a disaster at the Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant. The Ukrainian facility has been the subject of heightened tensions after being occupied by Russian forces.

Putin offered assurances last month that there would be no nuclear war, despite having previously made such threats dozens of times.

Boris Johnson, the recently resigned British prime minister, by contrast has been one of the most outspoken supporters of Ukraine, visiting the country and spearheading military aid packages to help it defend itself against Russia.

Over the summer, Russia and the U.K. saw a diplomatic dustup after Johnson called Putin's invasion of Ukraine "a perfect example of toxic masculinity" and British Defense Secretary Ben Wallace accused the Kremlin of threatening nuclear war, according to The Moscow Times.

British Prime Minister Liz Truss, who took over for Johnson this week, has also advocated a similarly hawkish stance toward Russia.

Elizabeth marked Ukrainian Independence Day on August 24 with a statement offering "warmest greetings."

"In this most challenging year, I hope that today will be a time for the Ukrainian people, both in Ukraine and around the world, to celebrate their culture, history and identity," she said. "May we look to better times in the future."

Newsweek reached out to the Russian government for comment.