In a powerful joint message, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping have voiced strong condemnation of Israel’s military actions against Iran, calling for an immediate ceasefire and a return to diplomacy. The remarks came during a phone call between the two leaders on Thursday, as reported by both Russian and Chinese officials.
Russia and China Push for Political Resolution Amid Escalating Tensions
The Kremlin stated that both leaders criticized Israel’s recent strikes, which sparked retaliatory missile and drone attacks from Iran. Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov told reporters that Moscow and Beijing were united in their stance, emphasizing that the conflict should be resolved “exclusively by political and diplomatic means.”
According to Chinese state media, Xi Jinping reiterated that “armed force is not the correct way to resolve international disputes,” and stressed that halting the violence must be the top priority.
“Promoting a ceasefire and cessation of hostilities is the top priority,” Xi was quoted as saying. “Parties to the conflict, especially Israel, should cease hostilities as soon as possible to prevent a cyclical escalation and resolutely avoid the spillover of the war.”
Putin Positions Himself as a Mediator
Amid the worsening conflict, President Putin has been positioning himself as a potential mediator between Israel and Iran. Despite Russia’s close military cooperation with Iran—particularly since the start of the Ukraine conflict—Putin has maintained diplomatic ties with Israel and has held conversations with both sides.
In recent days, he has reportedly spoken with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, offering to broker dialogue. Ushakov noted that Xi supports this mediation effort, believing it could help reduce tensions and prevent further violence.
Western Leaders Skeptical of Putin’s Mediation Role
However, Putin’s attempt to act as a peace broker has been met with skepticism in the West. U.S. President Donald Trump and French President Emmanuel Macron have both expressed doubt about Putin’s credibility as a mediator while Russia continues its offensive in Ukraine.
Speaking to reporters, Trump commented on Putin’s offer: “He actually offered to help mediate. I said: ‘Do me a favour—mediate your own.’ Let’s mediate Russia first, okay? Then you can worry about this later.”
The Path Ahead
As the situation in the Middle East remains volatile, the joint stance by Russia and China marks a significant alignment on global diplomacy. While it remains to be seen whether Israel will heed the calls for a ceasefire, the growing chorus for de-escalation from global powers may increase pressure on both sides to consider diplomatic alternatives.
