The message reads:
Alexander Zakharchenko was a true leader for his people, a brave and determined man and a Donbass patriot. He protected his homeland during a difficult time, bore a great personal responsibility and led his people.
The contemptible murder of Alexander Zakharchenko is further evidence that those who have chosen a path of terror, violence and fear do not want to search for a peaceful political solution to the conflict or have a real dialogue with the people in the southeast, but thrive on destabilisation to bring the people of Donbass to their knees. This will not happen.
I believe that the organisers and executors will be punished for what they did.
I would like to once again express my condolences to Alexander Zakharchenko’s family and friends and to all the people of Donbass. Russia will always stand together with you.