Kremlin ruler Vladimir Putin appears to be trying to divert global attention from the war in Ukraine by offering Moscow’s mediation in the Middle East conflict, analysts from the Washington-based Institute for the Study of War (ISW) report.
“Putin is likely attempting to distract from his ongoing war of aggression against Ukraine by offering to help the United States mediate the situation in the Middle East,” the analysts say.
On June 14, U.S. President Donald Trump revealed that he and Putin spoke by phone for about an hour, mostly discussing Israeli strikes on Iran, with significantly less time spent on Ukraine.
“Russian President Vladimir Putin continues to portray Russia as an effective and necessary international partner for the United States amid ongoing Iran-Israel tensions,” the analysts said.
Putin’s aide, Yuriy Ushakov, confirmed that the June 14 call between the two presidents focused primarily on the escalating conflict in the Middle East.
During the conversation, Putin reportedly expressed concern about the Iran-Israel conflict and offered Russian mediation. Trump stated he is “open” to involving the Kremlin leader in peace talks between Israel and Iran.
At the same time, the U.S. president said he reminded Putin that the war in Ukraine must come to an end.
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