Senator Frantz Klintsevich claimed today that Nato secret services were 'behind' the shocking killing

THE assassination of Russian ambassador Andrey Karlov was masterminded by Nato secret services, a top Vladimir Putin ally has claimed.

Karlov was gunned down by a member of Turkey's anti-riot police while attending an art exhibition opening in the capital Ankara.

A key ally of Putin claims the killing was a Nato masterminded attack

Karlov pictured at the art exhibition opening moments before he was gunned down

Killer Mevlut Mert Altintas, 22, was later shot dead after standing over Karlov's body claiming it was for those suffering in Aleppo.

Today Senator Frantz Klintsevich, deputy chairman of the Russian upper chamber's defence and security committee, said: "It was a planned action," the Mail Online reported.

"Everyone knew that he was going to attend this photo exhibition. It can be ISIS, or the Kurdish army which tries to hurt Erdogan.

"But may be – and it is highly likely – that representatives of foreign NATO secret services are behind it.

"What has happened is a true provocation, a challenge. It is a challenge for Russia."

Footage taken after Altintas gunned down Karlov showed him chanting: "Do not forget Aleppo! Do not forget Syria!"