26.02.2026 10:04
As Russia's lack of assistance to Iran, which is on the verge of war with the U.S., raises public curiosity, it has emerged that Putin answered this question at last year's St. Petersburg Economic Forum. When asked why he had not provided more help to Iran, Putin responded, "Israel is almost a Russian-speaking country today; two million people from the Soviet Union and Russia live there. We take this into account."
The increasing military and diplomatic tensions between the US and Iran in recent weeks have led to comments that the two countries are closer to direct conflict than ever before. Washington's harsh statements regarding Iran's nuclear program and its emphasis on keeping military options on the table, along with Tehran's threats of retaliation, have heightened tensions in the region.
PUTIN HAS SAID IT CLEARLY
In this atmosphere, the statements made by Russian President Vladimir Putin at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum last year have come back to the forefront. At that time, Putin was asked, "Why doesn't Russia help Iran more?" and the Russian leader gave a striking response.
"ISRAEL IS ALMOST A RUSSIAN-SPEAKING COUNTRY TODAY"
Putin noted that about 2 million Russian speakers live in Israel, stating, "Israel is almost a Russian-speaking country today; two million people from the Soviet Union and Russia live there. We take this into account." Highlighting that the Kremlin is mindful of its relations with both Iran and Israel, Putin emphasized that Moscow considers the balances in the region.
THE DEBATE IS GROWING
As assessments are made that the US and Iran are on the brink of war today, the question of why Russia has not provided open military support to Tehran has begun to be discussed again. Experts indicate that Moscow pursues a multi-layered balance policy in the Middle East and does not want to sever its diplomatic and security contacts with Israel.
While Russia provides political support for Iran's nuclear program, it stays away from direct military intervention. Analysts assess that Putin's words aim to protect both the Russian-speaking community in Israel and regional interests. As military activity in the region increases, it is stated that every step on the US-Iran line has the potential to directly affect global powers as well.