Donetsk, Dec 25 – DAN. DPR citizens paid tribute to the victims of the Russian Defense Ministry Tu-154 plane crash off the Black Sea coast near Sochi on Sunday, DAN correspondent reports.

DPR acting minister of culture Milhail Zheltyakov, chief deputy of Donetsk Republic social movement executive committee Andrey Kramar and the head of Young Republic social movement Nikita Kiosev extended their condolence, along with other officials and politicians.

"A tragedy happened this morning. Our friends died today, our colleagues who supported Donbass and helped those in need. I would like to extend condolence to their families and to tell them they have friends who are always there for them," said Kramar.

Foreign journalists working in Donbass joined the commemoration, including Agence France Press, Xinhua and Russian media outlets and TV reporters.

A board with the photos of the crash victims was installed in front of the city administration building. People bring flowers and candles there.

DPR Head Alexander Zakharchenko earlier said he was shocked upon hearing of the tragedy off Sochi coast. He extended his condolence to Russian President Vladimir Putin and Russia's Defense Minister Sergey Shoygu.

"This is another anguish for our nation, not the first one though. But in the face of hardship Russian people come together," Zakharchenko said.

Zakharchenko declared a nation-wide mourning in DPR on December 26.

The Russian Defense Ministry passenger Tu-154 aircraft, carrying 92 people, including dozens of Red Army Choir singers, dancers, orchestra members and journalists, has disappeared from radar over resort city of Sochi while en route to Syria, where the artists were to give a New Year concert for Russian Air Force servicemen at a Russian base Hmeymim.

The Russian defence ministry said there had been no survivors.
Among those on board were 65 members of the Alexandrov Ensemble, known internationally as the Red Army Choir; nine Russian reporters – of Channel One, Zvezda Channel and NTV; Dr. Elizaveta Glinka known worldwide as Dr. Lisa, a US citizen, who had been engaged in providing aid and assistance to children; eight crew members.

Debris from the plane was found in the Black Sea about 1.5 kilometers (0.93 miles) from the shore, at 70-80m depths (230-260 feet). *ot