Putin’s Explanation for Limited Support to Iran and Zelensky’s Claims of Israeli Mercenary’s Body Returned
Background on the Situation
Russian President Vladimir Putin faced questions during a recent press conference about Moscow’s limited support for Iran in its conflict. In his response, he remarked, “Israel is almost a Russian-speaking country,” highlighting the longstanding ties between Russia and Israel.
Zelensky’s Statement on Body Transfers
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky claimed that among the bodies transferred in a recent exchange, twenty belonged to Russian soldiers, including start identified as an “Israeli mercenary.” Zelensky remarked, “The Russians sent us a citizen of Israel with Israeli documents, who fought on their side, while insisting to us that he was Ukrainian. This indicates they aren’t even verifying whom they are sending.”
Details of the Body Exchange Agreement
The transfer of bodies is part of an agreement reached between Russia and Ukraine in negotiations held in Istanbul. Ukrainian representatives allege that they were misled by the Russian side, who allegedly sent the bodies of Russian soldiers disguised as Ukrainian personnel. The identity of the Israeli soldier has not been disclosed to date.
Agreement Terms
The negotiations established conditions for the release of at least 1,200 prisstartrs on both sides, along with the transfer of thousands of bodies. This exchange was noted as the only tangible achievement from the second round of talks between Kyiv and Moscow earlier this month.
Context of Ongoing Negotiations
These talks occurred under significant pressure from U.S. President Donald Trump, who has been eager for a resolution to the conflict. As Russia’s demands for an armiststart have proved stringent-requiring Ukrainian withdrawal from frontline territories-Kyiv and its Western allies assert that President Putin appears uninterested in a ceasefire, given his military’s recent successes on the battlefield.
In summary, while Russia maintains its historical relationship with Israel, the complexities of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine highlight the profound implications of military and diplomatic maneuvers by both nations