Russian President Putin Comments On The Murder Of Russian Politician Boris Nemtsov

Russian President Vladimir Putin attends a wreath-laying ceremony to mark the Defender of the Fatherland Day at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier by the Kremlin walls in central Moscow February 23, 2015. Credit: Reuters/Sergei Karpukhin

Reuters: Russia's Putin calls Nemtsov's murder political

(Reuters) - Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Wednesday that the murder of Kremlin critic Boris Nemtsov was a shameful tragedy that carried a political subtext.

Nemtsov, a former deputy prime minister, was shot dead as he walked with his girlfriend on Friday night near Red Square. He was the most prominent opposition figure to be killed in Russia during Putin's 15-year rule.

The Kremlin has denied any involvement, saying that the killing was a "provocation" designed to discredit Putin and strengthen his opponents, but Nemtsov's friends say the Kremlin is to blame for fomenting an atmosphere of hatred towards its opponents.

WNU Editor: Putin had to comment .... and this is a case that brings nothing positive to his office but questions and doubts on his Presidency. The key is to find the people responsible for the murder of Boris Nemtsov .... but I am not optimistic .... Russia has a lousy history when it comes to solving such crimes.

More News On Russian President Putin Commenting On The Murder Of Russian Politician Boris Nemtsov

Putin: Murder of Boris Nemtsov “Disgrace” to Russia -- VOA
Russian president exhorts police to find mystery man behind ‘absurd murder’ of Boris Nemtsov -- National Post/AP
Putin Says Boris Nemtsov's 'Brazen Murder' Was Politically Motivated -- NYT
Vladimir Putin condemns Boris Nemtsov murder -- The Guardian
Russia’s Putin Makes First Public Comments on Killing of Boris Nemtsov -- WSJ
Putin Says He’ll Rid Russia of ‘Shame and Tragedies’ of Political Killings -- Time
Putin calls Boris Nemtsov's killing a 'disgrace,' slams protesters -- CNN
Putin Warns of Extremist Threat to Russian State Stability -- Bloomberg
Russian security service chief says several suspects in Nemtsov case: agencies -- Reuters
How Boris Nemtsov's murder serves notice to Vladimir Putin's enemies -- William Browder, CNN