Plane carrying Karlov's body lands in Russia

By Diyar Guldogan

ANKARA (AA) - The body of Russian ambassador in Turkey, who was assassinated in Ankara Monday evening, returned to Moscow late Tuesday, according to the Russian Foreign Ministry.

"The body of Andrey Karlov was received with honour in Moscow. The ceremony was attended by #Lavrov, @MevlutCavusoglu and Mr.Karlov's widow," the ministry said in its Twitter account.

Karlov died after being shot multiple times at an art exhibition in Ankara on Monday evening. He was delivering a speech when the assailant, 22-year-old policeman Altintas, opened fire on him.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and his Turkish counterpart Mevlut Cavusoglu took part in the ceremony that was held at Vnukovo airport.

The body was returned to Russia on the same plane that brought the Russian investigation team to Ankara early Tuesday.

State ceremony was held at Ankara's Esenboga International Airport where the ambassador's body was being placed on board an aircraft for repatriation to Russia.

His spouse and family attended the ceremony where farewell speeches and prayings were held.

Meanwhile, the ministry opened a virtual book of condolences to honor Karlov.