Russia and Turkey have stated that the killer, and of a Russian ambassador, Andrey Karlov in Turkey on Monday and his sponsors will feel the retribution of both countries.

Turkish President Reccep Tayyip Erdogan described the killing at an Ankara art gallery by an off-duty police officer, as an attempt to undermine NATO-member Turkey’s relations with Russia – ties long tested by the war in Syria.

Erdogan informed that he had agreed in a telephone call with Russia’s President, Vladimir Putin to step up cooperation in fighting terrorism noting that “the bandits” who committed the act would feel retribution.

“We must know who directed the killer’s hand”, he declared.

The Russian ambassador to Turkey was shot in the back and killed as he gave a speech at an Ankara art gallery by an off-duty police officer who shouted “Don’t forget Aleppo” and “Allahu Akbar” as he opened fire.

The attacker was smartly dressed in black suit and tie and stood, alone, behind the ambassador as he began his speech at the art exhibition, a person at the scene told Reuters.

“He took out his gun and shot the ambassador from behind. We saw him lying on the floor and then we ran out,” said the witness, who asked not to be identified.