When the US launched a massive airstrike on Iran’s nuclear sites, many expected Russia to step in. But Vladimir Putin had a different answer—and it’s not what Tehran hoped for.
At the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, Putin addressed why Russia hasn’t come to Iran’s aid. Despite decades of friendly ties with Tehran, he said neutrality is key.
“There are nearly two million Russian-speaking people in Israel,” he explained. “It’s almost a Russian-speaking country today.”
His message was clear: backing Iran could risk the lives of Russians in Israel. That’s a line he won’t cross.
Putin: “Israel today is almost a Russian-speaking country, 2 million people from the Soviet Union and Russia live there. We take that into account.” pic.twitter.com/zC8VYa5AUm
— Open Source Intel (@Osint613) June 21, 2025
But there’s more. Putin also pointed out that 15% of Russia’s own population is Muslim. He reminded critics that Russia has long-standing friendly relations with Islamic countries. In fact, Russia is an observer in the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).
Still, some are calling Russia’s silence a betrayal.
To them, Putin had a blunt reply: “These are provocateurs.” He insisted that Russia’s foreign policy is based on balance—not blind loyalty.
Meanwhile, tensions in the Middle East keep rising.
After the US launched “Operation Midnight Hammer,” dropping massive bunker-buster bombs on Iran’s Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan sites, former President Donald Trump called the strike a “spectacular military success.”
Iran didn’t take it lightly. The country responded by launching missiles toward Israel. Its Foreign Minister, Abbas Araqchi, declared that Iran wouldn’t return to peace talks until it had fully retaliated.
“They blew up diplomacy,” he said, blaming both the US and Israel.
Putin had tried to mediate a ceasefire between Iran and Israel. But Trump quickly dismissed the offer, saying, “Do me a favour, mediate your own. Let’s mediate Russia first.”
This comment sparked fresh tension between the US and Russia.
Still, Putin remains firm. His strategy is not about taking sides—it’s about managing risks. Russia doesn’t want to alienate its Muslim allies, nor does it want to endanger its citizens living in Israel.
So, while bombs fall and rhetoric flies, Putin is choosing to stay silent—and strategic.
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