Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping held a phone conversation on Thursday, during which both leaders criticized Israel’s military actions against Iran and emphasized the urgent need for de-escalation, according to the Kremlin.
Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov stated that both leaders “strongly condemn Israel’s actions, which violate the U.N. Charter and other norms of international law.” He added that Moscow and Beijing firmly agree that the ongoing crisis and issues related to Iran’s nuclear programme “must be achieved exclusively through political and diplomatic means.”
The call comes amid growing international concern as the Israel-Iran conflict enters its seventh day. Russia has warned of catastrophic consequences if the situation escalates further and has urged the United States to avoid participating in Israel’s military campaign.
President Putin has recently held discussions with U.S. President Donald Trump, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian. He has offered Russia’s services as a mediator to help resolve the crisis, though no party has formally accepted the offer.
During Thursday’s call, Putin reiterated the mediation proposal, and President Xi expressed support for the initiative. Ushakov noted that Xi believes the proposal “could serve to de-escalate the current acute situation.”
Both leaders agreed to remain in close contact in the coming days as tensions in the region continue to rise.