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By Gabe Whisnant
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Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday called the killing of U.S. conservative activist Charlie Kirk a “heinous crime” and said it reflected what he described as a “deep split” in American society, even as he issued new warnings to Washington over Ukraine and praised President Donald Trump’s efforts to negotiate peace.
Speaking at a forum of foreign policy experts in the Black Sea resort of Sochi, Putin devoted part of his remarks to U.S. politics, describing Kirk as a “hero” who was targeted for defending conservative values. He likened Kirk to Michael Gloss, the son of a senior CIA official who joined the Russian military and was killed in Ukraine last year.
“He gave his life while defending those values as a Russian soldier, and Kirk gave his life while fighting for the same values in the United States,” Putin said. He added that Kirk’s assassination revealed “a deep split” within America and underscored how ideological divides are shaping political violence.
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Why It Matters
Putin’s comments on Kirk highlight how political violence in the United States is increasingly viewed abroad as a symptom of deep internal fracture.
The remarks also show how America’s divisions are shaping its global image. At a moment when Washington is grappling with foreign policy crises, Putin’s framing casts the U.S. as consumed by internal strife — a narrative that could weaken its standing with allies and embolden adversaries who see opportunity in American discord.
What To Know
Tyler Robinson, 22, was charged with aggravated murder, felony firearm discharge, obstruction of justice, and witness tampering in Kirk's shooting death on September 10 at a Turning Point USA event at Utah Valley University.
State officials, as well as other members of the Republican party, have decried Kirk’s assassination as “politically motivated.” Robinson allegedly told his romantic partner he acted because he "had enough of [Kirk's] hatred."
Charging documents show that his mother had noted that over the past year her son had become “more political.” His political stance started to lean to the left—in stark contrast to his parents—and he became more pro-gay and trans-oriented, the document added.
Putin’s comments appeared designed to cast Russia as an ally of American conservatives.
“Kirk was a hero killed for promoting the same conservative values that Russia shares,” Putin said, framing the activist’s death as part of a wider cultural conflict in the West.
Putin also said he posthumously awarded Gloss a medal, which was delivered to Trump envoy Steve Witkoff during his recent visit to Moscow.
The CIA, responding to questions about Gloss, said in a statement it regarded his death as a “private family matter — and not a national security issue,” adding: “The entire CIA family is heartbroken for their loss.”
At the same forum, Putin praised Trump for his role in Russia-Ukraine peace talks, describing their August summit in Alaska as “productive” and saying he felt “comfortable” working with him. “It was good that we made an attempt to search for and find possible ways to settle the Ukrainian crisis,” he said.
The Russian leader also turned his attention to global energy disputes, warning Western nations against seizing Russian oil tankers. He said the detention of an aging vessel off the French coast — which President Emmanuel Macron linked to Russia’s so-called shadow fleet — amounted to an effort to distract from domestic problems in France. Any such seizures, Putin warned, would be considered piracy and could destabilize the global oil market. “The risk of confrontation will seriously increase,” he said.
Putin dismissed Western accusations that Russia was behind drone flights over Denmark, characterizing them as NATO attempts to stir tensions and drive up defense spending.
What People Are Saying
Utah Governor Spencer Cox said after Kirk's death: "There is a tremendous amount of disinformation...Our adversaries want violence. We have bots from Russia, China, all over the world that are trying to instill disinformation and encourage violence. I would encourage you to ignore those."
Dmitry Medvedev, deputy chairman of Russia's Security Council said on X after Kirk's killing: "Political crimes and assassinations have been carried out lately by a variety of left-wing liberal scum who support Banderite Kiev...Maybe it's time for the MAGA team to realize that by supporting Ukraine, they're supporting murderers."
President Donald Trump said at Kirk's funeral, "That's where I disagreed with Charlie. I hate my opponent, and I don't want the best for them. I'm sorry. I'm sorry, Erika," the president said as the crowd laughed.
He added, "But now Erika can talk to me and the whole group and maybe they can convince me that that's not right, but I can't stand my opponent."
"Charlie's angry," Trump continued. "Looking down, he's angry at me now. He wasn't interested in demonizing anyone. He was interested in persuading everyone to the ideas and principles he believed were good, right and true."
What Happens Next
As America faces stark polarization and a rising trend of political violence, the Trump administration also faces massive diplomatic hurdles on the world stage, including its ongoing effort to end Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
While addressing U.S. politics, Putin also weighed in on the war in Ukraine, warning that any U.S. decision to supply long-range Tomahawk cruise missiles to Kyiv would mark a “qualitatively new stage of escalation.”
Such a move, he said, would “seriously damage relations between Russia and the U.S.” but would not alter the battlefield. “It will certainly not change the balance of force,” he said, stressing that Russia’s military continues to make steady advances.
This article includes reporting by the Associated Press.
Updates: 10/2/25, 7:02 p.m. ET: This article was updated with new information and remarks.
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