Prime Minister Vladimir Putin laid flowers at Gevork Vartanyan's coffin and talked with his relatives.

Hero of the Soviet Union Gevork Vartanyan took part in the operation to thwart an assassination attempt on Stalin, Churchill and Roosevelt in Tehran in 1943. He died on Tuesday in a Moscow clinic, aged 87.

* * *

Vladimir Putin had earlier sent a message of condolence to the relatives of Gevork Vartanyan.

The message reads, in part:

"Gevork Vartanyan lived a long and eventful life, replete with many instances of great heroism. He was a preeminent professional, responsible for many outstanding and legendary episodes in the history of Russia's foreign intelligence service.

This strong, courageous individual, this true patriot, will live on through our memories, and in our hearts."