MOSCOW, April 16 (Xinhua) -- Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday sent a message to his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron, offering to send the best Russian specialists to help restore the Notre Dame cathedral that has been badly damaged by a fire on Monday.

"Notre Dame is a historical symbol of France, a priceless treasure of European and world culture, one of the most important Christian shrines. The tragedy that occurred last night in Paris has created pain in the hearts of Russians," Putin wrote in the message.

He expressed hope that the cathedral can be restored, and offered to send to France the best Russian specialists with extensive experience in restoring world cultural heritage sites, including works of medieval architecture.

The spire and roof of the medieval Gothic cathedral collapsed in a ferocious blaze on Monday, causing worldwide grief.