Russian President Vladimir Putin takes part in a press conference during the 15th BRICS Summit, via video link in Moscow, Russia, August 24, 2023. Sputnik/Mikhail Klimentyev/Kremlin via REUTERS/File Photo
In a televised address during a virtual BRICS summit on Tuesday, Russian President Vladimir Putin urged for a political resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Putin asserted that regional states and members of the BRICS group, comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, could play a pivotal role in facilitating efforts towards a settlement. Notably, the BRICS group had recently expanded to include Saudi Arabia, Iran, Ethiopia, Egypt, Argentina, and the United Arab Emirates.
Blaming the Middle East crisis on the perceived shortcomings of U.S. diplomacy in the region, Putin emphasized the need for joint international efforts to de-escalate tensions, secure a ceasefire, and find a political solution to the longstanding conflict. While not providing detailed plans on the organization of such an effort, Putin’s remarks reflected a strategic positioning of BRICS and regional actors in the diplomatic landscape.
Experts in Russian and Western policy circles view Putin’s involvement in the Gaza crisis as part of a broader geopolitical strategy. They suggest that Putin seeks to strengthen alliances in developing countries, positioning himself against U.S. dominance by advocating for what he terms a “new world order.” Putin has consistently critiqued U.S. policies, urged restraint from Israel, and expressed sympathy for the Palestinians’ plight in previous statements.
Last month, Putin cautioned Israel against laying siege to Gaza, drawing parallels with the Nazi siege of Leningrad during World War II. He warned against a ground offensive, predicting an “absolutely unacceptable” number of civilian casualties. In his recent comments, Putin expressed deep concern over the high number of Palestinian children casualties, lamenting the performance of operations on children without anesthesia.
Highlighting the historical injustice faced by Palestinians and the challenges for Israel in ensuring state security, Putin underscored the impact of UN decisions that, according to him, have failed to establish the envisioned peaceful coexistence of two independent and sovereign states, namely Israel and Palestine. Putin’s narrative reflects a nuanced approach, intertwining historical context with contemporary geopolitical dynamics in the Middle East.
COMMENTS