President Putin weighs in on Russia-Ukraine and Israel-Iran wars, clarifies Moscow's stance
Moscow, June 21 (UNI) Weighing in on the Russia-Ukraine war, and the ongoing Israel-Iran war, Russian President Vladmir Putin highlighted their key aspects, and clarified Moscow's stance on both of them, in an interview with Sky News Arabia.
Speaking on the Ukraine war, Putin claimed that external powers are actively blocking a peaceful resolution, accusing them of using Ukraine as a proxy to serve their own strategic goals.
'Ukraine deserves a better fate than to be a tool in the hands of external parties working against Russia,' he said, calling for a settlement that would ensure Ukraine's neutrality and end its pursuit of alliances, particularly military blocs.
He insisted that Ukraine must renounce any ambitions related to nuclear weapons, describing it as a critical step toward regional stability.
Putin also maintained that any lasting agreement must include recognition of the referendums held in four regions now claimed by Russia, warning that dismissing these results could reignite full-scale conflict.
He pointed to the 2022 Istanbul talks as a missed opportunity, suggesting both sides had come close to a deal before it was derailed.
Ukraine's current leadership, he said, should act in the country's own national interest rather than following the agenda of outside actors. Resolving outstanding humanitarian issues, he added, must be a key part of any future settlement.
On the intensifying standoff between Israel and Iran, Putin reaffirmed Moscow's support for Tehran's right to use nuclear energy for peaceful purposes, adding that Russia stands ready to provide technical support.
While acknowledging that differences remain, particularly over Iran's nuclear programme, he said there is still space for agreement if both sides show flexibility. He stressed that the International Atomic Energy Agency had found no evidence that Iran possesses or is attempting to develop nuclear weapons.
Putin reiterated Russia's long-standing opposition to the spread of weapons of mass destruction and welcomed Iran's adoption of a resolution banning the use of nuclear arms, calling it a move worthy of serious international recognition.
He added that Moscow had repeatedly assured Israeli leaders that Iran is not seeking nuclear weapons, urging open dialogue to ease tensions and strengthen regional security.
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