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Putin Seeks Peacemaking Role in Middle East to Distract From War in Ukraine
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![Photo of Dariia Mykhailenko]( "Photo of Dariia Mykhailenko")
Russian leader Vladimir Putin is attempting to divert international attention from Russia’s war against Ukraine by offering the United States assistance in resolving escalating tensions in the Middle East, according to a report by the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) on June 15.
Analysts note that Putin continues to present Russia as a necessary and effective global partner for the US, particularly amid rising hostilities between Iran and Israel.
On June 14, US President Donald Trump held a phone call with Putin, reportedly discussing the Iran-Israel war for nearly an hour. According to ISW, Ukraine was mentioned far less during the conversation.
“Putin is likely attempting to distract from his ongoing war of aggression against Ukraine by offering to help the United States mediate the situation in the Middle East,” ISW concluded.
Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov later stated that the discussion focused primarily on the situation in the Middle East. He claimed that Putin expressed concern over the regional escalation and offered Russian assistance in facilitating peaceful negotiations.
ISW also reported that Trump used the call to reiterate the need to end Russia’s war against Ukraine.
Earlier, Israel conducted a large-scale overnight air operation against Iran, striking more than 100 military and nuclear targets and reportedly killing three of Iran’s top military commanders.
A fleet of 200 fighter jets carried out the coordinated strikes, targeting sites in several cities, including Tehran, Natanz, Khorramabad, and Hamedan.
Among the primary targets were missile production facilities, key nuclear infrastructure, and locations associated with senior Iranian military leadership.
