The Kremlin has claimed that Queen Elizabeth II’s “wisdom and authority” will be missed internationally and took a swipe at other global leaders on Friday as it paid tribute to the British monarch who died on Thursday.
The Russian people had “great respect” for Queen Elizabeth II, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters, singling out her qualities of “wisdom and authority”.
“Such qualities are in very short supply on the international stage at the moment,” he added pointedly.
The statement from the Kremlin came on top of a message of condolence from Russian president Vladimir Putin.
He has has written to King Charles III paying tribute and offering “sincere sympathy” to Britain after the Queen’s death.
Despite the tensions over the war in Ukraine, the Russian president reached out to monarch in telegram on Thursday.
He wrote: “The most important events in the recent history of the United Kingdom are inextricably linked with the name of Her Majesty. For many decades, Elizabeth II rightfully enjoyed the love and respect of her subjects, as well as authority on the world stage.
“I wish you courage and perseverance in the face of this heavy, irreparable loss. 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.”
