The EU has extended its sanctions on Russia for six more months, keeping restrictions in place until at least 2026. Despite surviving earlier sanctions by shifting trade toward China and India, Russia’s wartime economy is now under pressure. Inflation has reached 10%, interest rates have risen to 20%, and recession fears are growing. The Kremlin’s military spending is worsening labor shortages and inflation. President Putin has urged the central bank to balance inflation control with economic growth amid ongoing financial stress.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has accused the International Atomic Energy Agency of publishing a deliberately politicized and alarmist report under pressure from Western powers. He claimed the document was intended to give Israel a pretext for military action against Iran. Lavrov said the proposal was drafted amid intense lobbying from the UK, France, Germany, and later the United States. He further argued the report contained vague language that Western nations exploited for their own interests. Notably, the IAEA Board of Governors adopted an anti-Iran resolution on June 12, and Israel launched military strikes the following day.

Just a few years ago, Finland was known as a neutral European nation. Today, it stands as NATO’s northern frontline, right next to Russia. After Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Helsinki swiftly joined NATO, triggering a sweeping transformation in the country’s geography, military, and political stance.

Russia has condemned the recent US and Israeli attacks on Iran’s nuclear installation, reiterating its clear stance in support of Iran. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov accused critics of trying to damage Moscow-Tehran relations by fueling tensions. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi praised Russia’s role as “extremely valuable” during talks with President Vladimir Putin and thanked Russia for standing on the “right side.” The two nations maintain a strategic cooperation agreement, with plans to further strengthen ties.

Russian President Vladimir Putin, during a meeting with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in Moscow, condemned the recent US-Israel attack on Iran, calling it an “entirely unfounded act of aggression.” Putin reaffirmed Russia’s strong ties with Iran and expressed full support for the Iranian people. He extended greetings to Iran's President and Supreme Leader and emphasized the importance of Araghchi’s visit to discuss the escalating Middle East crisis. Araghchi blamed the attacks on Iran’s nuclear facilities for rising tensions.

Russia’s President Vladimir Putin met with Iran’s Foreign Minister amid tensions following U.S. attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities. While condemning the strikes, Russia’s Kremlin insists it will not intervene militarily due to its ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Analysts believe Iran may seek to negotiate with former U.S. President Trump, with Putin acting as mediator. Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev criticized the U.S. attacks, warning that Trump has initiated a new phase of conflict, while Iran’s nuclear program likely continues despite the strikes.

Russian President Vladimir Putin emphasized that Russia should avoid taking sides in the ongoing Iran-Israel conflict. He highlighted the presence of nearly 2 million Russian speakers in Israel and Russia’s historic ties with the Muslim world, advocating for a balanced diplomatic approach. Putin reaffirmed support for Iran’s peaceful nuclear program while assuring Israel’s security. He stressed dialogue over direct involvement and revealed ongoing communications with leaders from Israel, Iran, and the US to seek a peaceful resolution.

Vassily Nebenzia, Russia’s permanent representative to the UN, criticized the imbalance in nuclear oversight, stating that Iran remains one of the most scrutinized nations by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). He said Iran's cooperation has been met with airstrikes instead of diplomacy. In contrast, he highlighted that Israel has yet to sign the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), allowing it to avoid full IAEA inspections.

In an interview with Sky News Arabia on Saturday, Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that Russia is prepared to assist Iran in developing its peaceful nuclear program, affirming that Iran has the right to pursue such initiatives. He emphasized that neither Russia nor the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has found any evidence that Iran is working toward nuclear weapons. “We’ve shared this position with Israeli leadership on multiple occasions,” Putin added.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has expressed grave concern over increasing global conflict risks, warning of the potential for a world war. “All crises must be resolved peacefully,” he emphasized. Putin criticized NATO for repeatedly ignoring Russia’s security concerns, calling it another form of Western colonialism. He also revealed that the US has promised to ensure the safety of Russian personnel at Iran’s Bushehr nuclear facility. Commenting on Israeli threats to assassinate Iran’s Supreme Leader, Putin added, “I hope it’s only rhetoric.”

At a UN Security Council emergency session, Russia’s envoy Vasily Nebenzya condemned Israel for launching a unilateral attack on Iran, ignoring UN resolutions and diplomatic efforts. He warned that Iran’s peaceful nuclear sites remain vulnerable to attacks that could trigger a nuclear disaster. Nebenzya highlighted that the attack occurred amid ongoing indirect talks between the US and Iran, undermining diplomatic progress. He emphasized that Iran’s nuclear facilities are under strict IAEA supervision, and Israel’s actions showed blatant disregard for international norms and UN authority.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov warned that using U.S. tactical nuclear weapons against Iran would lead to catastrophic consequences. The Guardian reported that conventional bombs may not be sufficient to destroy Iran’s underground uranium enrichment facility at Fordow. Some U.S. defense officials have reportedly discussed nuclear options to target the site.

However, the report adds that former U.S. President Donald Trump is not currently considering using nuclear weapons against Iran.

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping have jointly condemned Israel’s recent military strikes on Iran, describing them as a clear violation of the United Nations Charter.

In a phone call held on Thursday, both leaders called for immediate de-escalation and stressed that a diplomatic resolution—not a military one—is the only viable solution to concerns over Iran’s nuclear program and regional tensions. Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov stated, “Both Moscow and Beijing believe there is no military solution to the Iranian nuclear issue.”

President Xi further emphasized the responsibility of major powers in the region, urging them to take a more active diplomatic role in reducing tensions.

Russian President Vladimir Putin confirmed that Russian specialists will remain in Iran despite growing fears of an Israeli attack. He emphasized the ongoing collaboration at Iran’s Bushehr nuclear plant and ruled out any withdrawal. Putin stated that while Iran hasn't asked for new military aid, Moscow maintains strong ties and open communication. He warned against regime-change strategies and called for diplomatic dialogue that ensures both Iran’s and Israel’s security. His remarks underscore Russia’s strategic positioning in the Middle East.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has stated that, despite internal political complications, the Iranian people are uniting around their leadership. When asked about threats against Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Putin declined to comment specifically but noted growing national solidarity in Iran.

He added that Israel’s initial aim was to destroy Iran’s nuclear program, not to cause regime change. “Israel has failed to strike Iran’s underground uranium enrichment sites—they remain intact. It's time for all sides to pursue compromise,” Putin said.