The EU Saturday expressed its "indignation and deep sadness" over the news about the "brutal murder" of Boris Nemtsov, the former Deputy Prime Minister of Russia and one of the leaders of Russia's opposition.
"Boris Nemtsov was a strong advocate for modern, prosperous and democratic Russian Federation, open to the world. Our thoughts are with his family and friends and the Russian people," said EU High Representative Federica Mogherini in a statement.
"The EU expects the Russian authorities to conduct a full, rapid and transparent investigation into this assassination, bringing the culprits swiftly to justice," she said.
Mogherini noted that he was killed just before a demonstration against the effects of the economic crisis and the conflict in Ukraine which he was organising for 1 March.