Amid escalating tensions in the Middle East, Russian President Vladimir Putin has drawn global attention with his remarks at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF), where he described Israel as “almost a Russian-speaking country” while addressing Russia’s nuanced position in the Iran-Israel conflict and the recent US airstrikes on Iranian nuclear sites.
“Almost two million people from the former Soviet Union and the Russian Federation reside in Israel. It is almost a Russian-speaking country today. And, undoubtedly, we always take this into account,” Putin stated.
🛑 Russia’s Balancing Act in the Middle East
Putin emphasized that Russia maintains friendly and strategic relations with both Israel and the Islamic world, noting that 15% of Russia’s population is Muslim and that Moscow is an observer in the Organization of Islamic Cooperation.
He reiterated Russia’s support for Iran’s right to peaceful nuclear energy, citing ongoing cooperation in building nuclear reactors in Bushehr. However, he dismissed calls for direct military involvement, stating, “We already have combat operations going on… We take into account our national interests and the complexity of each conflict”.
🇺🇸 US Strikes and Global Fallout
Putin’s comments come in the wake of US-led airstrikes on three Iranian nuclear facilities—Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan—marking Washington’s direct entry into the conflict. The strikes have drawn condemnation from Moscow, with Russian officials labeling them a “gross violation of international law”.
🕊️ Mediation Offer Rejected
Putin had earlier offered to mediate between Iran and Israel, but US President Donald Trump reportedly rejected the proposal, saying, “Let’s mediate Russia first”. Despite this, Putin continues to advocate for dialogue and mutual security guarantees to prevent further escalation.
Stay tuned for updates on this evolving geopolitical crisis.
