Russian President Dmitry Medvedev expressed condolences to family and friends of legendary Soviet intelligence agent Gevork Vartanian, who died at 87 in a Moscow hospital, RIA Novosti reported.

“Gevork Vartanian was a legendary intelligence agent, real patriot and bright individual. He was a masterful member of special operations to have entered Soviet intelligence history,” the message reads. “Vartanian’s demise is an irreplaceable loss for his family and everyone who knew and appreciated the brilliant person.”