The Russian leader is eyeing a peacemaking role in the Middle East as his country continues to wage war in Ukraine.

The offer to mediate between Israel and Iran comes as Russia has intensified its war against Ukraine, including striking residential buildings in Kyiv. View on euronews

Russia’s President Vladimir Putin had two phone calls that same day — both with the Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian. He is one of a small number of political leaders in a position to hold talks simultaneously with Tehran and Tel Aviv.