Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan sent a condolence message to the President of the Russian Federation, Vladimir Putin, on the occasion of the death of the former Chairman of the Council of Ministers of the USSR, National Hero of the Republic of Armenia Nikolai Ryzhkov.

The message reads as follows,

"Dear Vladimir Vladimirovich,

It was with deep sadness that I learned about the death of the former Chairman of the Council of Ministers of the USSR, Nikolai Ivanovich Ryzhkov.

Heading the Council of Ministers of the USSR, Nikolai Rizhkov coordinated the elimination of the consequences of the devastating earthquake that claimed thousands of lives in the city of Spitak, Armenia.

Having occupied various responsible positions and fulfilling his duty, Nikolai Rizhkov forever imprinted his name in the memory of the Armenian people as a loyal friend who reached out for help at the most difficult time, for which he was awarded the highest title of National Hero of the Republic of Armenia.

Please, on behalf of the entire people of Armenia and myself, convey words of sympathy and support to the family and relatives of Nikolai Ryzhkov."