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After arriving from Sochi to the Crimea, President Putin went to his residence in Mukhalatka. Before meeting with CIS leaders, Mr Putin was interviewed by journalists in connection with the sinking of the nuclear-powered submarine Kursk.

The President said initial rescue operations began after radio contact with the submarine had been lost, but the media was not promptly informed. Mr Putin explained this by the fact that the navy had to assess the situation before issuing any official reports.

According to Mr Putin, rescue operations had continued through the night, but the situation had not improved.

The President told journalists that Russia had not declined offers of assistance from other countries in salvaging the submarine and said he would be only too glad if foreign experts were able to help.

Mr Putin stressed his first inclination was to leave for the disaster area, but he did not do this because the presence of senior officials often hampers work. However, he added, he might still go to the disaster area.

The President said he had complete trust in military experts. Instead of looking for the culprits, we must do everything possible for the success of the rescue operations, he told the press.

Mr Putin said the causes of the disaster would be thoroughly investigated.