Russian PM Putin condemns Israeli raid on Gaza-bound ship

Istanbul: Russia's prime minister has condemned Israel's deadly raid on a Gaza-bound flotilla in a major victory for Turkey.

Turkey, which is hosting a 22-nation security summit, is seeking international condemnation for the May 31 raid on a Turkish ship that killed nine pro-Palestinian activists.

Israel said its soldiers began shooting only after a mob of activists attacked them.

Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin said on Tuesday "we condemn this act," and expressed concern that it was conducted in international waters.

He was speaking at a news conference with Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

A Turkish government official said Israel was trying to block an attempt by Turkey to insert a strong condemnation of Israel into a joint summit statement.