Trending 
Russian President Vladimir Putin underscored the importance of Syria’s territorial integrity during a Monday phone call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
The call followed recent sectarian violence in southern Syria that prompted Israeli intervention, including strikes on Damascus and the Druze-majority Sweida province.
According to a Kremlin statement, Putin “emphasised the importance of supporting the unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity” of Syria.
He also stated that political stability in the country requires respecting “all ethnic and religious groups’ interests.”
During the conversation, Putin additionally offered to mediate talks on Iran’s nuclear programme.
Russia, a close ally of Syria’s former leader, Bashar al-Assad, and maintaining two military bases in Syria, has also strengthened military ties with Iran amid its ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Despite these alliances, Moscow continues to seek good relations with Israel, which is home to a significant Russian-born community.
