Russian President Vladimir Putin called for an immediate ceasefire in the Middle East during talks with the leaders of the UAE and Qatar.
MOSCOW: Russian President Vladimir Putin urged an immediate ceasefire in the Middle East during separate phone calls with the leaders of the United Arab Emirates and Qatar on Monday.
The Kremlin said Putin and UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan both emphasised the urgent need for a ceasefire and a return to political and diplomatic processes during their conversation.
Putin also told the UAE leader he was ready to convey Tehran’s concerns about Iranian retaliatory strikes to Iran and to assist in stabilising the regional situation.
In his call with Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the two leaders shared concerns about the risks of the conflict expanding and the danger of third countries being drawn into it.
The discussions come amid escalating regional tensions following US and Israeli barrages on Iran, which prompted retaliatory strikes from Tehran hitting targets across the Gulf.
Those strikes forced authorities to close airspace and stalled traffic at major hubs including Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
Earlier, the Russian Foreign Ministry condemned any attacks on civilian targets, whether in Iran or Arab countries, within the conflict.
Facing isolation from the West over the war in Ukraine, Putin has sought to strengthen partnerships in the Middle East, maintaining relations with both Iran and the Gulf monarchies.
The UAE has emerged as a key mediator in the Russia-Ukraine war, brokering prisoner exchanges and recently hosting talks on a US-drafted peace plan.
Iran is a key Moscow ally and has supplied it with Shahed drones used in the Ukraine offensive.
