ST. PETERSBURG, Russia — President Vladimir Putin announced on Friday that Israel has agreed to guarantee the safety of Russian personnel working at Iran’s nuclear power plant. This development comes as he actively engages with both Israel and Iran in hopes of resolving the ongoing conflict that has lasted for a week.
During the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, Putin addressed various pressing matters. He issued a stern warning to Ukraine, suggesting that it risks losing additional territory if it continues to dismiss Russia’s propositions for peace.
Putin elaborated that Russia has suggested “some ideas” for a potential resolution between Iran and Israel. These ideas are currently under deliberation. He mentioned that he requested Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to protect Russian workers constructing additional reactors at Iran’s Bushehr nuclear power facility, a discussion he has also broached with U.S. President Donald Trump.
Prime Minister Netanyahu has supposedly consented to these terms, and according to Putin, President Trump has expressed willingness to back Russia’s reasonable requests. However, Putin firmly denied accusations that Russia has failed to support Iran, a notable ally, by clarifying that Russia maintains strong diplomatic relationships with both Iran and Israel. He acknowledged the significant number of Russian and former Soviet citizens residing in Israel, a demographic consideration that influences their diplomatic stance.
While articulating Russia’s commitments to Iran, Putin reiterated Russia’s staunch support for Iran’s right to the peaceful employment of nuclear energy. He conveyed concerns over escalating tensions surrounding Iran’s nuclear sites and warned about potential repercussions.
In relation to Ukraine, Putin responded to queries about Russia’s strategic objectives. He stated that Russian troops are expanding a protective zone in Ukraine’s Sumy region, especially after an armed incursion into Russia’s Kursk region the previous year.
“Our goal is to establish a security zone along the border,” Putin stated. He added that Russian forces have advanced approximately 10 kilometers into the Sumy region, nearing its capital. Despite this, he asserted that capturing Sumy is not their intent, though it remains a possibility.
Putin reaffirmed his longstanding assertion that Russians and Ukrainians share a unified identity, implying that Ukraine fundamentally belongs under Russian sovereignty. He remarked that Russia is willing to acknowledge Ukraine’s sovereignty, provided Kyiv accepts Russia’s territorial acquisitions and renounces any ambitions to join NATO.
“We do not seek Ukraine’s capitulation; we want them to acknowledge the current realities,” Putin insisted, emphasizing that Ukraine would benefit from reaching an agreement. He warned that military escalation would worsen Ukraine’s position, necessitating negotiations from a weaker stance.
Addressing allegations of possible Ukrainian deployment of a “dirty bomb” against Russia, Putin cautioned that such an action would result in severe retaliation from Russia, mirroring its doctrine on nuclear responses. Although he expressed hope that such a scenario remains speculative, he acknowledged its potential existence in what he described as “a sick imagination.”
Regarding economic matters, Putin praised Russia’s economic trajectory, asserting success in managing inflation and diversifying away from energy dependence. Despite government officials forecasting a potential recession, Putin declared that recession should be avoided. He noted manufacturing sector growth as evidence of declining energy reliance.
The perception of Russia as an economy reliant solely on natural resources and hydrocarbons is outdated, Putin argued. He pointed to a 1.5% economic growth in early 2025, alongside reduced inflation rates from double digits to 9.6%.
Despite the Western boycott following the 2022 Ukraine invasion, the forum became a platform for Russia to showcase its economic strength, particularly inviting investments from Asia, Africa, and Latin America. Notwithstanding sanctions, Russia has exceeded economic expectations, largely sustained by substantial defense spending. Nevertheless, the potential for future stagnation looms due to persisting inflation and inadequate foreign investment beyond the defense sector.