Putin expresses 'great pain' for Palestinians in Gaza in meeting with Mahmoud Abbas

During a meeting on Tuesday with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed concern for the Palestinian people and affirmed Moscow's support for their goal of establishing a sovereign state. Despite the ongoing war in Ukraine, Putin emphasised that Russia remains attentive to developments in the Middle East.

"Everyone is well aware that Russia today, unfortunately, must defend its interests and defend its people with arms in hand. But what is happening in the Middle East, what is happening in Palestine, of course, does not go unnoticed on our part," Putin said, as per a Kremlin transcript.

"And of course, we are watching with great pain and anxiety the humanitarian catastrophe that has unfolded in Palestine," he added.

Putin also said that the suffering of their children "makes tears come to your eyes".

Abbas referred to Russia as "one of the dearest friends" of the Palestinian people, expressing confidence in Russia's support.