In call with Netanyahu, Putin backs Syria’s territorial integrity, offers to mediate Iran talks

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday reaffirmed the need to protect Syria’s territorial integrity during a phone conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, following Israeli military action in southern Syria triggered by sectarian unrest.

Earlier this month, Israel launched airstrikes targeting the capital Damascus and Sweida province, home to the country’s Druze minority, saying the move was intended to support the religious community and push for the demilitarisation of Syria’s southern region.

In a statement released by the Kremlin, Putin stressed the importance of upholding Syria’s “unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity.” He further said that lasting political stability in the war-torn country would require acknowledging and protecting the interests of all ethnic and religious communities.

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During the conversation, Putin also extended an offer to help mediate negotiations surrounding Iran’s nuclear programme.

Russia, a close ally of Syria’s former long-time ruler Bashar al-Assad, who reportedly fled to Moscow with his family, still has two military bases in the country.

Russia is also close to Iran, having boosted military ties amid the Kremlin’s offensive in Ukraine.

But Moscow also strives for good relations with Israel, home to a large Russian-born community.

With inputs from agencies