The message reads, in part:
”It was with profound and sincere shock and empathy, that I and all Russian citizens learned about the tragedy that occurred, the death in a plane crash near Smolensk of President of Poland Lech Kaczynski, his spouse, and members of a large Polish delegation traveling to commemorative events in Katyn.
I have given instructions to conduct a thorough investigation into the causes of the disaster, engaging in full and close cooperation with the Polish authorities.
Russia shares the grief and mourning of Poland.
Please convey my sincere condolences to the Polish people and my words of compassion and support to the families and friends of the victims.“