Putin Urges Ex-Soviet States to Expand Influence on First Foreign Trip of the Year
Russian President Vladimir Putin attended a summit of ex-Soviet nations and praised their growing cooperation despite Western sanctions. He highlighted the new joint air defense deal with Kyrgyzstan and downplayed Armenian Prime Minister Pashinyan's absence, citing the challenges he faces after Azerbaijan's takeover of Nagorno-Karabakh. Putin expressed willingness to visit Armenia and emphasized the importance of working with like-minded countries from the Global South. Regarding the Israel-Hamas war, Putin acknowledged Israel's right to self-defense but criticized the impact on Gaza's residents. He also commented on unconfirmed allegations of Western weapons ending up in the hands of Hamas, suggesting arms leaks from Ukraine but doubting the involvement of Ukrainian leadership.