BRUSSELS: Western powers today vowed to back Russia in the fight against terrorism as they condemned a bloody suicide attack on the Moscow metro.

Russia’s key European partners Germany, France and Britain rallied to its side after the apparently coordinated strikes on two trains near the ex-KGB headquarters and Gorky Park.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel expressed her “shock and horror”, as she offered her condolences to the victims. French President Nicolas Sarkozy condemned the “hateful” twin attacks and promised Moscow authorities France’s “total solidarity as they confront this cowardly and horrible act.” British PM Gordon Brown said he was “appalled” at the bombing.

US President Barack Obama condemned the attacks as “outrageous acts,” offering his “deepest condolences” to the people of Russia.

NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen strongly condemend the attacks. European Council president Herman Van Rompuy also sent Medvedev a message of solidarity and condolences on behalf of the 27-member European Union, as did Spain.