Russian President Vladimir Putin and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held a phone call on July 28, 2025, to address various Middle East issues, including Syria's sovereignty and the ongoing tensions between Iran and Israel. During the discussion, Putin reaffirmed Russia's support for Syria's territorial integrity and proposed Russian assistance in de-escalating Iran-Israel tensions, particularly concerning Iran's nuclear program.
According to a tweet from Visegrád 24, Putin specifically "reaffirmed his support for Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity." This stance underscores Russia's long-standing commitment to the Syrian government and its role in the region's stability, emphasizing a peaceful settlement of conflicts.
A key aspect of the conversation was Putin's offer for Russia to "help ease Iran-Israel tensions and particularly regarding Iran’s nuclear program," as stated in the tweet. This proposal comes amidst stalled international negotiations on Iran's nuclear activities and heightened regional instability, suggesting a potential new diplomatic avenue.
The call, the first between the two leaders since December 2023, also touched upon other bilateral and regional matters. Netanyahu reportedly thanked Putin for Russia's role in securing the release of Israeli-Russian dual national Sasha Trufanov, who was held by Hamas. Putin, in turn, raised concerns regarding the humanitarian situation in Gaza.
Russia has historically maintained a complex balancing act in the Middle East, engaging with various regional actors, including both Israel and Iran. This latest offer to mediate highlights Moscow's continued ambition to play a significant diplomatic role in resolving critical regional disputes and influencing the geopolitical landscape.