The Kremlin is “keeping a close eye” on the conflict between Israel and Hamas and is “deeply concerned” by this weekend’s escalation, Putin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Monday, responding to a question about the movement of U.S. naval ships towards Israel.
“The risk of a third party becoming involved is high,” Peskov said.
The press secretary stressed the importance of “moving towards some kind of negotiation process as soon as possible” to “lower the risk of escalation and move away from a military solution.”
Peskov was also asked whether Russians who moved to Israel after speaking out against the war in Ukraine should fear prosecution if they return to Russia. “Citizens of the Russian Federation live in numerous countries throughout the world. The Russian Federation is their home,” he responded.