Putin Condemns Israel's Gaza Operation, Expresses Solidarity with Palestinians

Russian President Vladimir Putin criticized Israel's military operation in Gaza, stating that it is "nothing like" the war in Ukraine. Russia, along with Turkey, does not recognize Hamas as a terrorist organization and has condemned Israel's actions in Gaza. Putin called for a ceasefire and a two-state solution, while also urging Hamas to release all remaining hostages. He further called for Israeli athletes to be banned from the Summer Olympics in Paris. Putin reiterated his stance on the conflict in Ukraine, emphasizing the need for "de-Nazification" and demilitarization in Kyiv. He also accused European leaders of backing Ukraine and compared them to Nazi collaborators. Putin claimed that Russians and Ukrainians are "one nation" and stated that 617,000 Russian troops are located on the frontlines. He mentioned the improvement of the Russian army's drone arsenal and Russia's increasing security cooperation with Iran.