It is difficult to overestimate the achievements of late Russian Ambassador to the UN Vitaly Churkin, the Russian President Vladimir Putin said in a message expressing condolences to Churkin's family published on the Kremlin website.
"The achievements of Vitaly Ivanovich cannot be overestimated… For more than 10 years, sometimes in extremely stressful circumstances, he firmly and consistently defended Russia's position on major international issues, which required tremendous effort and dedication," Putin said.
He highlighted Churkin's professionalism and noted that the envoy's sudden passing made "the pain of loss particularly acute."
Putin stressed that Churkin was a true patriot, adding that, without exaggeration, Churkin was one of the most prominent diplomats. "A professional of the highest level, a man of profound intellect and extraordinary energy, charisma and a rare sense of humor, he enjoyed the sincere respect of colleagues and a great reputation among foreign partners," Sputnik cited Putin as saying.
Churkin passed away in New York on Monday. The diplomat would have turned 65 on Tuesday, February 21.
