Photo credit: The Goldwater

Russian President Vladimir Putin has reacted fast and strongly about the fatal shooting of Russian ambassador to Turkey while attending an art exhibit in Ankara, and the tough leader has more than hinted of his anger about the assassination. Putin believes the deplorable act was clearly intended to send a message- a clear provocation aimed at undermining an otherwise improving relations between Russia and Turkey, and preventing the settling of the Syrian crisis just as Russia, Turkey, Iran and other countries are working on the Syrian peace process.

Putin did not hesitate to declare how Russia intended to respond to the attack by saying Moscow could only offer stepping up the fight against terrorism. And the tough leader left no question to the possibility of Russia retaliating or seeking to avenge the murder of its diplomat as he stated that " the killers will feel it." The gunman was killed by the Turkish police, but of course, Russia is interested in the real masterminds behind the gruesome killing of its official. Putin has specified he wants to know who gave orders to the assassin.

Wasting no time, The Russia Investigative Committee has already launched a probe into the assassination. Russia will also closely coordinate with Turkey in investigating the case. In fact, Putin has already spoken with his Turkish counterpart President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

The killing also struck a personal chord with Putin as he knew Karlov personally whom he described as a kind man. Putin also had glowing praises for the victim's work as a diplomat calling him " brilliant" and " widely respected" in the country where he was posted while also being in good standing with the country's government as well as its other political groups. Putin has ordered a posthumous honor and a memorial for his fallen comrade, who he said was killed while performing his duties.

Russia has called for intensified security measures at Russia's diplomatic missions abroad as well as that of Turkey in Russia.

Erdogan meanwhile echoed Putin's sentiments as he vehemently condemned the assassination and called it an attack against Turkey and the Turkish people, and against Russia and Turkey relations. He vowed closer cooperation with Russia as they work together in a joint investigation of the deplorable act.