Obama condemns slaying of Putin's critic

The United States has condemned the "brutal murder" of Boris Nemtsov, a longtime critic of Russian President Vladimir Putin, calling on the Russian government to conduct "a prompt, impartial and transparent investigation into the circumstances of his murder." Moscow must ensure that those responsible for this vicious killing are brought to justice," President Barack Obama was quoted by a White House Statement as saying late on Friday.
"Nemtsov was a tireless advocate for his country, seeking for his fellow Russian citizens the rights to which all people are entitled," Obama said in the official statement.
"I admired Nemtsov's courageous dedication to the struggle against corruption in Russia and appreciated his willingness to share his candid views with me when we met in Moscow in 2009," he said.
"We offer our sincere condolences to Boris Efimovich's family, and to the Russian people, who have lost one of the most dedicated and eloquent defenders of their rights," the President said.
Obama's remarks came shortly after the opposition activist was gunned down only meters from the Kremlin in the Russian capital Moscow. He was vocal against Putin's policies, particularly the president's approach toward Ukraine.