They had been heading to a Russian air base in Latakia to entertain troops in the run-up to the New Year.

All 92 people on board the Soviet-era Tupolev plane died early on Monday morning when it crashed into the Black Sea, shortly after taking off from Sochi.

#TU154: All but 3 choir singers of Alexandrov Ensemble were aboard plane - lead solo singer Vadim Ananyev confirms https://t.co/YBd2Z1tOTW pic.twitter.com/zel5clp4wE

— RT (@RT_com) 25 dicembre 2016

#AlexandrovEnsemble's head, 64 members were on board of Russian #Tu154 plane https://t.co/6S8l7gKwGG pic.twitter.com/ay6HY3bTE0

— Sputnik (@SputnikInt) 25 dicembre 2016

Founded in 1928, The Alexandrov Ensemble, better known internationally as the Red Army Choir,
was a symbol of Russia, performing not only in war zones but also to music lovers at concert halls across the world.

Speaking In St. Petersburg, Putin addressed reporters and looked visibly shaken by the tragedy.

“I would like to express deep condolences to the families of our citizens who died this morning in the Black Sea,” he said.

“A Special Commission headed by the Minister of Transport will closely investigate the circumstances of the crash and everything will be done to support the families of the victims. A Day of Mourning will be observed tomorrow across Russia.” (Euronews)

Monday, December 26 declared national day of mourning for #Tu154 crash victims – Putin https://t.co/YBd2Z1tOTW pic.twitter.com/gEj4NPXRIJ

— RT (@RT_com) 25 dicembre 2016