The White House refused to say if President Barack Obama offered any personal condolences to President Putin in connection with the twin suicide attacks in Volgograd, Russia – in what many see as a “snub” against the Russian leader.
Instead only a brief statement was release on the White House website by National Security Council Spokesperson Caitlin Hayden.
“The United States condemns the terrorist attacks that struck the Russian city of Volgograd and sends deepest condolences to the families of the victims with hopes for the rapid healing of those wounded.
The United States stands in solidarity with the Russian people against terrorism. The U.S. government has offered our full support to the Russian government in security preparations for the Sochi Olympic Games, and we would welcome the opportunity for closer cooperation for the safety of the athletes, spectators, and other participants”, according to official Statement by NSC Spokesperson Caitlin Hayden commenting on Attacks in Russia (source: White House http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2013/12/30/statement-nsc-spokesperson-caitlin-hayden-attacks-russia).
Obama has failed once again to offer any kind of personal condolences to the President Putin and the Russian people in connection with a devastating terrorist attacks.
Putin on the other hand has always been quick to offer personal condolences and offers of assistance to the for almost all terrorist attacks against the U.S.
On April 19, 2013, for example – The Russian embassy says President Vladimir Putin sent a letter to President Obama after the Boston bombing offering his condolences assistance in the investigation (source: http://wgntv.com/2013/04/19/vladimir-putin-offers-condolences-to-us-for-bombing/).
On Apr 16, 2013 – The Kremlin said Putin sent a telegram expressing his condolences to U.S. President Barack Obama over the powerful explosions that went off in Boston The Russian president stressed that Russia is ready, if necessary, to assist with the investigation by U.S. authorities (source: http://www.themoscowtimes.com/news/article/putin-offers-to-assist-in-boston-bombing-probe/478710.html).
On Dec 15, 2012 – Russian President Vladimir Putin has offered heartfelt condolences to his US counterpart, Barack Obama, on Friday’s tragedy at a Connecticut tragedy (source: http://voiceofrussia.com/2012_12_15/Putin-offers-condolences-on-Connecticut-tragedy-to-Obama/).
Unlike President Obama Putin has always taken the time to express condolences over tragedies affecting the American people. Apparently this feeling is not reciprocated by President Obama.
The White House refused to discuss why President Obama refuses to offer his personal condolences in such matters. Officials in the press office went so far as to hang up the phone when I specifically asked that question recently, after waiting on hold 32 minutes.