The message reads, in part:
“The death of Vitaly Churkin is a great loss not only for his family, colleagues and those who knew this strong and outstanding man. It is a great loss for all of Russia. Vitaly Churkin was an extraordinary diplomat who worked unswervingly to protect the national interests in the most difficult situations. He was not just doing the job of a Permanent Representative to the UN. He was serving his nation. He raised his strong and confident voice and made courageous and impartial statements in defence of peace, democracy and universal human values. He served these ideals to the last minute of his life.”
