Putin, Abbas hold talks in Moscow on Gaza crisis, two-state solution, and humanitarian aid

MOSCOW (Shahid Ghumman) - Russian President Vladimir Putin and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas held key talks in Moscow on Thursday, discussing bilateral relations, the humanitarian crisis, and the latest developments in the Middle East, particularly the situation in Gaza.

President Abbas is on a two-day official visit to Russia.

At the start of the meeting, President Putin described Russia’s ties with Palestine as “deep and historic,” recalling that the Soviet Union recognized the Palestinian state in 1988 and that Russia continues to uphold this position. He emphasized that a comprehensive peace can only be achieved through a two-state solution and the full establishment of a Palestinian state.

Putin noted that during the crisis in Gaza, Russia sent over 800 tons of humanitarian aid and conducted 32 relief operations, including the delivery of wheat and other essential supplies.

The discussions also touched on the US-proposed Board of Peace. Putin stated that Russia is ready to contribute $1 billion to the initiative, to be used for Gaza’s reconstruction and to meet the needs of the Palestinian people. He added that the funds would come from Russian assets frozen in the United States during the previous U.S. administration, and that the matter would be raised in meetings with U.S. representatives Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner later the same evening.

President Abbas referred to Russia as a “50-year-old friend” of Palestine, acknowledging Moscow’s consistent political, diplomatic, and financial support. He highlighted the destruction caused by Israeli operations, noting that over 260,000 people have been killed or injured in Gaza, and 85 percent of essential infrastructure has been destroyed.

Abbas affirmed that the Palestinian people will not leave their land and will reject any forced displacement, praising Russia’s mediation efforts and support for the two-state solution.