Putin calls Armenian president to express condolences over Gyumri tragedy
Russian President Vladimir Putin has called his Armenian counterpart, Serzh Sargsyan, to once again express condolences over the killing of an Armenian family of six in the city of Gyumri.
“Putin said he’s confident that the investigation will be completed as soon as possible and the perpetrator will be punished,” presidential press secretary Dmitry Peskov said.
The Russian head of state also stressed that he hopes the Russian doctors who arrived to Gyumri and their Armenian colleagues will provide “the required high-quality medical assistance” to the only survivor of the attack – sixth-month-old Sergey Avetisyan.
Putin also assured Sargsyan of Russia’s readiness to provide a medical plane to deliver the injured baby to Moscow for further treatment if needed, Peskov added.
READ MORE: Russian soldier in Armenia detained in mass killing of local family
According to the investigation, serviceman Valery Permyakov went AWOL from Russia’s 102 Military Base in Gyumri on January 12.
The soldier is accused of making his way into a private home and using an AK-47 to massacre a family of six, including a two-year-old child.
He was arrested by Russian border guards the same day as he attempted to cross into Turkey.
READ MORE: Protesters demand Russian soldier’s trial in Armenia, clash with police
During the interrogation, Permyakov said he wasn’t acquainted with the Avetisyan family, and broke into their home to find alcohol.
The serviceman is to be prosecuted by a Russian court. There have been massive rallies in Gyumri demanding that Permyakov face trial in Armenia. About a dozen people have been injured in the demonstrations.
