Russian President Vladimir Putin has publicly condemned the assassination of Charlie Kirk, calling it a “disgusting crime” and a reflection of the “deep rift” within American society.

Speaking at the Valdai Discussion Group in Sochi on Thursday, Putin offered his condolences to the family of the late Turning Point USA founder, who was shot and killed during a live Q&A event at a Utah university on September 10.

“This is a disgusting crime, even more so because it happened live on air — in fact, we all saw it,” Putin said while addressing the conference audience. “It truly looked repulsive, terrible.”

Putin’s remarks mark one of the strongest statements yet from a foreign leader regarding Kirk’s killing, which has drawn widespread condemnation and renewed debate in the United States about political violence and security at public events.

Investigations into the shooting remain ongoing as U.S. authorities work to determine the motive behind the attack.