‘Two Million People Of Soviet Union Reside In Israel’: Putin Responds Why Russia Is Not Helping Iran

Last Updated:June 23, 2025, 12:30 IST

Putin stated Moscow is neutral in the Iran-US conflict, noting the Russian-speaking population in Israel and Russia's friendly ties with Arab and Islamic nations.

Russia's President Vladimir Putin speaks during a plenary session of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF) in Saint Petersburg, Russia. (IMAGE: REUTERS)

Russian President Vladimir Putin said that Moscow is maintaining a neutral stance in the conflict between Iran and the US, which recently saw US strikes on Iran’s nuclear sites due to the significant presence of Russian-speaking populations in Israel.

Russia and Iran have had close ties for decades. Putin said he is trying to stay neutral in the conflict, as a large number of Russian-speaking people live in Israel.

During a St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, Putin said, “I would like to draw your attention to the fact that 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 in Russia’s contemporary history."

Putin also dismissed critics questioning Russia’s loyalty to its allies, labelling them “provocateurs." He emphasised Russia’s long-standing friendly relations with Arab and Islamic nations, noting that Muslims comprise 15% of Russia’s population.

He further noted that Russia was also an observer in the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).

This comes after the US sent 14,000-kg bunker-buster bombs and carried out Operation Midnight Hammer, attacking three of Iran’s key military sites, including Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan.

US President Donald Trump hailed the airstrikes on Iran as a “spectacular military success," claiming that key nuclear facilities were “completely obliterated." 

In a late-night address to the nation on Saturday, Trump said, “There will be either peace or there will be tragedy for Iran far greater than we have witnessed over the last eight days. Remember, there are many targets left. If peace does not come quickly, we will go after those other targets with precision, speed and skill."

In retaliation, Iran launched several missiles against Israel.

Iran Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said the country won’t return to peace talks or diplomacy until it has retaliated first. He added Iran was already at the negotiating table, and it was the US and Israel who “blew up" talks.

Earlier, Putin offered to mediate a ceasefire deal between Iran and Israel; however, US President Donald Trump rejected the offer, saying, “Do me a favour, mediate your own. Let’s mediate with Russia first. You can worry about this later."

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