As many as 255 or more perished in the crash at the JFK Airport, New York City.
Before his departure for the USA, Mr Putin said warm words of compassion addressed to the bereaved, to the American nation and President George W. Bush.
He said that the tragedy would not change the format of his state visit to the USA, scheduled for November 13–15. The Russian party was willing to be flexible and skip over certain events of the visit if necessary. Not pageantry but the content of bilateral negotiations truly mattered, Mr Putin said as he expressed his assurance that his visit would be positive.
He was sure President George W. Bush shared his opinion.