Russian President Vladimir Putin called Thursday for the world to unite in an "uncompromising battle against the forces of terror" after a deadly van attack in Barcelona, the Kremlin said.

"What happened once again confirms the need for a genuine unification of efforts by the entire world community in an uncompromising battle with the forces of terror," Putin said in a telegram of condolences to Spanish King Felipe VI, describing the incident as a "cruel and cynical crime".