Putin says Russia ready to help Syria and Turkey after major quake

President Vladimir Putin offered Russian assistance on Monday to Syria and Turkey after a major earthquake of magnitude 7.8 killed more than 500 people
and injured thousands in the two countries.
Russia has strong relations with both Syria and Turkey: Putin backed President Bashar al-Assad in the civil war and has a strong rapport with President Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey, a NATO member which has sought to mediate in the Ukraine war.
“Please accept my deep condolences on the numerous human casualties and large-scale destruction caused by a powerful earthquake in your country,” Putin said in his message to Erdogan.
“We are ready to provide the necessary assistance in this regard.”
In a similar message to Assad, Putin said Russia shared “the sadness and pain of those who lost their loved ones” and said Russia was ready to provide help.