Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed appreciation for Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s role in the Istanbul negotiations regarding the war in Ukraine. Speaking at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, Putin addressed a range of global issues, including tensions between Iran and Israel, the Ukraine conflict, and Russia’s relations with the West.
“Israel’s Security and Iran’s Interests Can Be Ensured”
Commenting on the escalating Iran-Israel conflict, Putin emphasized the need for diplomacy and restraint. “Israel’s security and Iran’s interests can both be ensured,” he said, highlighting the importance of finding peaceful solutions. He also stated that the Iranian people appear to be rallying around their government and affirmed Iran’s right to peaceful nuclear energy.
Putin noted that Russia remains in contact with both the United States and Israel, saying:
“We are not imposing anything on anyone. We are simply sharing our vision of a possible way out of the situation.”
Gratitude to Erdoğan Over Ukraine Talks
Turning to the ongoing war in Ukraine, Putin reiterated his gratitude to President Erdoğan for facilitating the Istanbul talks early in the conflict. These negotiations, though ultimately inconclusive, were considered a significant diplomatic effort to halt the war.
Rejects NATO Threat Allegations
Addressing claims that Russia may attack NATO, Putin called such allegations “nonsense.” He also commented on former U.S. President Donald Trump’s assertion that the Ukraine war would not have occurred under his administration, saying Trump “has a point.”
