Russian President, Vladimir Putin, on Monday called for an immediate ceasefire in the Middle East during separate telephone conversations with the leaders of the United Arab Emirates and Qatar, as tensions escalate across the region.
The Kremlin said Putin and UAE President, Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, emphasised “the need for an immediate ceasefire and a return to the political and diplomatic process” amid the intensifying conflict.
The development follows recent United States and Israeli strikes on Iran, a key Russian ally, and retaliatory attacks by Tehran that have hit targets across the Gulf.
The escalation has forced authorities in parts of the region to close airspace and disrupted operations at major hubs including Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
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According to the Kremlin’s readout, Putin told the Emirati leader that he was prepared to convey the UAE’s concerns to Tehran regarding Iran’s retaliatory strikes and to assist in efforts aimed at stabilising the situation.
In a separate call with the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, both leaders expressed concern over “the risks of the conflict’s expansion and the danger of third countries being drawn into it,” the Kremlin said
Earlier, Russia’s Foreign Ministry condemned “any attacks on civilian targets, whether in Iran or Arab countries,” in the ongoing conflict.
Since launching its military offensive in Ukraine in 2022, Russia has faced diplomatic isolation from Western countries and has sought to deepen ties in the Middle East. Moscow maintains close relations with both Iran and Gulf monarchies.
The UAE has played a mediating role in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, brokering several prisoner exchanges and recently hosting talks involving US, Russian and Ukrainian officials on a US-drafted proposal aimed at ending the war.
Tehran remains one of Moscow’s closest allies and has supplied Russia with Shahed drones used in its military operations in Ukraine.