Moscow, Apr 17 (IANS/RIA Novosti): Russian President Vladimir Putin has offered Russia's assistance in the investigation of the Boston Marathon bombings that killed three people and left more than 170 injured.

Putin sent a telegram to his US counterpart Barack Obama expressing his condolences.

"Russia is ready to help the US authorities with their investigation if necessary," the Kremlin quoted Putin as saying.

"Putin strongly condemned this barbarous crime and expressed his conviction that the fight against terrorism requires the active coordination of efforts by the global community," a Kremlin statement said.

Three people were killed and 176 injured after two powerful explosions ripped through a crowd near the finish line of the Boston Marathon.

It is not yet clear who was responsible for the bomb attacks or the motive.

Obama has vowed that those responsible for the blasts would be tracked down and punished, saying they would feel the "full weight of justice".

Meanwhile, Russian Sports Minister Vitaly Mutko said the Boston Marathon bombings present a "clarion call" for Russia ahead of three global sporting events over the next year.

Ahead of next year's Sochi 2014 Winter Olympics, Russia hosts the Universiade in Tatarstan in June, followed by the world athletics championships in Moscow in August.

"For Russia, which is about to stage a lot of large-scale events, this is a serious clarion call," Mutko said.

"Of course, we will toughen up our security measures," he added.