Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a decree declaring May 5 a day of mourning in Russia in connection with the plane crash in the Krasnodar Territory. The same document instructs the government to provide assistance to the families of the dead and injured.

Presidential press secretary Alexei Gromov announced this on May 3. “Expressing grief for the victims and condolences to their families and friends, I decide to declare May 5 a Day of Mourning,” the document says. “On the day of mourning, state flags will be flown at half-mast throughout the country. Cultural institutions and television and radio companies are invited to cancel entertainment events and programs on the day of mourning,” the decree emphasizes. “ The Government of the Russian Federation , together with the state authorities of the constituent entities of the Federation, should take the necessary measures to provide assistance to the families of the victims,” the document says.

Earlier today, during a telephone conversation, the Presidents of the Russian Federation and Armenia , Vladimir Putin and Robert Kocharyan, expressed condolences to the families and friends of those killed in the crash of an Armenian airline plane over the Black Sea, and decided to declare mourning on May 5 in both countries. Vladimir Putin spoke in detail to Robert Kocharyan about the search operation carried out by the Russian side in the disaster area and planned further actions. It was emphasized on both sides that this is a common tragedy of the Russian and Armenian peoples, ITAR-TASS reports.

May 5 has been declared a day of mourning