Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Monday that Moscow would do “everything” it can to help secure peace in the Middle East, during talks with Iran’s foreign minister in St. Petersburg.
Meeting Abbas Araghchi, Putin signalled continued Russian backing for Tehran as diplomatic efforts to end the conflict remain fragile despite an ongoing ceasefire.
“For our part, we will do everything that serves your interests, the interests of all the people of the region, so that peace can be achieved as soon as possible,” Russian state media quoted Putin as saying.
Speaking on arrival in Russia, Araghchi blamed Washington for the collapse of earlier negotiations aimed at ending the fighting.
Putin also praised what he described as Iran’s “courageous” defence of its sovereignty, according to the state-run TASS news agency.
“Russia, just like Iran, intends to continue our strategic relationship,” the Kremlin leader added.
