ST. PETERSBURG, Russia (AP) — On Friday, President Vladimir Putin announced that he has secured a commitment from Israel to ensure the safety of Russian personnel at Iran's nuclear power plant, which has been constructed with Russian assistance. Additionally, Putin revealed that he has reached out to both Iran and Israel as part of his efforts to mediate the ongoing conflict that has persisted for a week.
During a session at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, Putin issued a stark warning to Ukraine, indicating that the nation could face further territorial losses if it persists in rejecting Russia's peace terms. He stated that Russia has introduced "some ideas" aimed at facilitating a potential settlement between Iran and Israel, which are currently under discussion.
Putin specifically mentioned that Moscow had requested Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to take measures to protect Russian workers who are currently engaged in the construction of two additional reactors at the Bushehr nuclear facility in Iran. He claimed that Netanyahu had agreed to this proposal, furthermore noting that he had discussed the issue with U.S. President Donald Trump, who pledged to support Moscow's "legitimate demands."
Rejecting accusations that Russia has not supported its ally Tehran, Putin emphasized that Moscow maintains a strong relationship with both Iran and Israel. He pointed out that Israel has a significant population of nearly 2 million individuals from Russia and other post-Soviet countries, a factor that influences Russia's diplomatic approach. He underscored that Russia respects Iran's right to utilize nuclear energy for peaceful purposes.
Turning his attention to the conflict in Ukraine, Putin outlined Moscow's military objectives in the region, specifically mentioning that Russian forces are working to expand a security buffer in Ukraine’s Sumy region. This strategic move came in response to a Ukrainian incursion into Russia’s Kursk region from the prior year. Putin claimed that Russian troops have advanced approximately 10 kilometers (around 6 miles) into the Sumy area and are nearing the city of Sumy, which has a population of about 270,000 people.
Putin asserted that the Ukrainian military represents a continuous threat to Russian territory due to its shelling along the border. Although he stated that Russia does not aim to capture Sumy, he did not exclude the possibility entirely. He reiterated his view that Russians and Ukrainians are “one people,” maintaining that “in that sense, all of Ukraine is ours.” Nevertheless, he expressed willingness to acknowledge Ukrainian sovereignty, provided Kyiv accepts Moscow's territorial advancements and terminates its NATO integration aspirations.
Furthermore, Putin addressed concerns regarding potential plans by Ukraine to deploy a "dirty bomb" against Russia, stating that such an action would constitute "their last mistake." He warned that a Russian response would be "very tough and, most likely, catastrophic" for both the Ukrainian government and its territory. Although he indicated that Russia lacks evidence for the alleged plans, he speculated that some individuals might entertain such ideas.
On the economic front, Putin praised Russia’s economic outlook, indicating that the nation has succeeded in controlling inflation and reducing its reliance on energy exports. His optimistic assessment stood in contrast to the more somber insights provided by several government officials who highlighted the risk of an impending recession. Economic Minister Maxim Reshetnikov stated that Russia is "on the brink of going into a recession." While Putin acknowledged these recession warnings, he insisted that measures must be taken to prevent such an outcome.
Putin pointed to the steady growth of manufacturing industries as a positive sign, allowing the country to diminish its dependence on oil and gas exports. He declared that the perception of the Russian economy as solely reliant on raw materials is becoming obsolete, citing a growth rate of 1.5% during the initial months of 2025 and a decrease in inflation from double digits to 9.6% as evidence of this positive trend.
Despite the challenges posed by Western sanctions following the invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Putin highlighted the resilience of the Russian economy, which has managed to outperform expectations. Higher defense spending has played a significant role in sustaining economic growth and maintaining low unemployment rates, though it has contributed to rising inflation. While short-term strategies like military recruitment bonuses have provided immediate financial benefits, long-term threats such as inflation and lack of foreign investment loom over the Russian economy.
