Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday paid homage to his top diplomat in Turkey, who was assassinated this week.

Holding a dozen red roses during a memorial service in Moscow, Putin stood solemnly before the open coffin of Ambassador Andrey Karlov, 62.

The Russian leader placed the roses at the base of the coffin as dozens of Karlov’s family and friends looked on inside the Russian Foreign Ministry building.

Karlov was assassinated as he gave a speech at an art exhibition in the Turkish capital, Ankara, on Dec. 19.

Officer Mevlut Mert Altintas, 22, screamed “Allahu akbar” and “Don’t forget Aleppo!” before he fatally shot Karlov. Security officers at the event then opened fire, killing Altintas.