Latest news with #БлижнийВосток
LBCI
a day ago
- Politics
- LBCI
Putin says Russia has repeatedly informed Israel that Iran does not intend to acquire nuclear weapons
Russian President Vladimir Putin said in an interview with Sky News Arabia that Moscow has repeatedly informed Israel that Iran does not intend to develop nuclear weapons, according to a report Saturday by Russia's RIA Novosti news agency. Reuters
Russia Today
a day ago
- Politics
- Russia Today
Israel ‘almost a Russian-speaking country'
Russian President Vladimir Putin has emphasized Israel's large Russian-speaking population as one of the key factors in Moscow's approach to the ongoing Middle East conflict – alongside Russia's own Muslim population and traditionally friendly relations with the Islamic world. Speaking at the plenary session of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF) on Thursday, Putin said those who question Russia's commitment to its partners are 'provocateurs' attempting to stir discord. The Russian leader underscored the complexity of the Iran-Israel conflict, cautioning against one-size-fits-all expectations of alliances. 'Every conflict is unique,' he said, outning Russia's nuanced relationships across the region. Putin highlighted the presence of nearly two million Russian-speaking residents in Israel. 'It is almost a Russian-speaking country today. And, undoubtedly, we always take this into account in Russia's contemporary history,' he said. At the same time, he emphasized Russia's 'friendly, trusting, and allied' relations with the Arab and Islamic world, which include 15% of Russia's own population and participation as an observer in the Organization of Islamic Cooperation. The Russian president reiterated his country's support for Iran's right to a peaceful nuclear program – stressing that this support is not merely rhetorical, but demonstrated through concrete cooperation. 'We defend Iran's right to peaceful nuclear energy not just in words, but in action,' he said. 'Despite all the complexity of the situation around Iran, we built a nuclear reactor in Bushehr... And despite all the challenges and certain risks, we continue this work.' Putin dismissed criticism that Russia should have done more to support Iran. 'Start some kind of combat operations, is that it?' he asked rhetorically. 'We already have combat operations going on against those whom we consider opponents of the ideas we defend and who pose a threat to the Russian Federation,' he added, noting that these opponents are 'far behind the frontline' and are 'basically the same forces – with Iran and in the case of Russia.' According to the Kremlin, Putin has a 'complete picture' of the situation, as one of the few leaders to speak directly with the heads of Israel, Iran, and the United States since the conflict flared up last week. In a late-night Q&A session on Wednesday, Putin told journalists that Moscow had proposed several compromise frameworks to all parties, suggesting that any potential settlement should include mutual security guarantees – protecting both Iran's right to peaceful nuclear technology and Israel's right to security. While reaffirming support for Iran's legitimate interests, Putin clarified on Friday that Russia is not seeking to act as a mediator in the Iran-Israel conflict. 'We are simply offering ideas. Should these proposals resonate with both nations, we would be pleased,' he said, adding that he sees potential 'points of contact' between Tehran and West Jerusalem.
Al Arabiya
29-05-2025
- General
- Al Arabiya
Russia slams Israeli attacks on Gaza as ‘collective punishment' of civilians
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on Thursday slammed Israeli attacks on Gaza as 'collective punishment of the civilian population,' in some of Moscow's strongest criticism of Israel as it steps up its offensive. Lavrov said 'measures taken by Israel' in response to the October 7 attack by Hamas 'constitute collective punishment of the civilian population,' calling what was happening in Gaza 'incomprehensible and indescribable.'
Asharq Al-Awsat
20-05-2025
- Politics
- Asharq Al-Awsat
Russia's Lavrov Says Radical Groups Engaged in 'Ethnic Cleansing' in Syria
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said that Moscow is deeply concerned by what he said was ethnic cleansing being carried out by "radical militant groups" in Syria, Russian state news agency TASS reported on Tuesday. TASS cited Lavrov as saying of Syria: "Radical militant groups are carrying out real ethnic cleansing, mass killings of people based on their nationality and religion." Tass gave no details on which groups Lavrov was referring to, according to Reuters. Russia, which maintains two military bases in Syria, was a key backer of the government of ousted President Bashar al-Assad, who is now in Russia, where he was given asylum. A March outbreak of sectarian violence in Syria's coastal northwest, which was an Assad stronghold, left hundreds of members of the former leader's Alawite sect dead. Russia has attempted to maintain ties with Syria's new authorities, who have said that they may yet allow Moscow to retain use of the Hmeimim airbase and Tartus naval base. US President Donald Trump this month ordered sanctions on Syria imposed during Assad's rule removed, in a major policy shift for Washington.
LBCI
06-05-2025
- Politics
- LBCI
Putin and Netanyahu discuss Middle East, bilateral ties in phone call: Kremlin
Russian President Vladimir Putin and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu discussed the situation in the Middle East and bilateral ties in a phone call on Tuesday, the Kremlin said. Reuters
