Deputy Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov issued a stark warning to the United States, stating that even considering military assistance to Israel could severely destabilize the already volatile situation in the region.

Ryabkov revealed that Moscow is currently maintaining diplomatic communication with both Iran and Israel in an effort to contain the crisis. Separately, the head of Russia’s Foreign Intelligence Service, Sergey Naryshkin, described the situation as "critically unstable," noting that even a minor provocation could trigger full-scale war.

Reports also suggest that former U.S. President Donald Trump and his political allies are actively discussing potential strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities in support of Israel.

As Israel intensifies strikes on Iran, Russia remains unusually silent, avoiding military intervention due to its ongoing war in Ukraine and strategic economic ties with Gulf states. Drawing lessons from its failed gamble in Syria, Moscow is instead positioning itself as a neutral mediator. While Iran’s regime faces collapse, Russia sees a chance to retain influence through diplomacy, not force. Rising oil prices from the chaos also benefit Russia economically—turning regional instability into strategic opportunity.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has offered to mediate between Iran and Israel amid escalating tensions in the Middle East. In a conversation with the President of the United Arab Emirates, Putin expressed serious concern over the growing conflict and called for an immediate de-escalation.

Both leaders reportedly agreed on the urgency of finding a diplomatic resolution. Meanwhile, Russian state media suggested that the conflict could inadvertently benefit Russia's oil market.

Maria Zakharova, spokesperson for the Russian Foreign Ministry, affirmed Iran’s legitimate right to pursue peaceful nuclear programs. She condemned Israel’s recent attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities, stating they pose a “direct threat to regional and global security.”

“Middle East nuclear threats are not theoretical—they are real and escalating,” she warned. Russia’s UN envoy Gennady Gatilov also demanded international accountability for Israel’s actions.

The Russian Foreign Ministry has condemned Israel's continued attacks on Iran's peaceful nuclear facilities, labeling them a clear violation of international law. In an official statement, Russia said these assaults pose a serious threat to global security and could potentially trigger a nuclear catastrophe with worldwide consequences, including for Israel. Moscow has urged the Israeli leadership to immediately halt all attacks on nuclear installations monitored by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). The statement also criticized some Western countries for their "opportunistic behavior."

Russia has expressed its willingness to mediate the escalating conflict between Iran and Israel. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated that President Vladimir Putin is prepared to help facilitate peace if needed. However, Moscow sees no indication from Israel that it is open to mediation or a peaceful resolution. Despite its strong ties with Iran, Russia continues to maintain relations with Israel, carefully balancing its diplomatic approach. Experts note that Russia genuinely seeks a political solution while managing its complex relationships in the region.

U.S. President Joe Biden and Russian President Vladimir Putin held a 50-minute phone call regarding the ongoing Iran-Israel conflict.

According to Kremlin foreign policy advisor Yuri Ushakov, Putin condemned Israel's missile strikes on Iran. Both leaders discussed the possibility of reviving talks surrounding Iran’s nuclear program. Analysts believe the call may hint at new geopolitical alignments and future diplomatic coordination. Meanwhile, Croatia's Foreign Minister confirmed that their consul and his wife in Tel Aviv were injured in the recent Israeli attacks.

Amid rising tensions and fears of a possible Russian attack, Poland has deployed fighter jets to strategic locations along its 232-kilometer border with Russia. The move comes after sightings of Russian aircraft and drones beyond Ukrainian airspace. Poland and its NATO allies have begun joint air patrols. The government is also planning mandatory military training for adult men. Poland previously accused Russia of airspace violations and suspicious naval activity. Since 2022, Poland has actively supported Ukraine and criticized Russia’s nuclear moves in Belarus.

Russia carried out intense drone and missile attacks on several Ukrainian cities, including Kyiv, early Friday, killing six and injuring at least 80. The strikes are believed to be in retaliation for Ukraine's recent drone attacks on Russian bomber aircraft. Civilian areas, including apartment buildings and infrastructure, were heavily damaged. Ukrainian President Zelensky confirmed emergency workers were among the dead. Ukraine's air force reported over 400 drones and 45 missiles launched, making it one of the largest single assaults of the war.

Russia and Ukraine are preparing for their biggest prisoner exchange yet, with 1,200 captives from each side set to be released between June 7 and 9. Russian advisor Vladimir Medinsky stated this could be the largest swap since the war began. Peace talks in Istanbul continue, with Russia proposing a two-phase peace plan and Ukraine insisting on an immediate ceasefire before leadership-level meetings. Russia also plans to return 6,000 Ukrainian soldiers' bodies and retrieve its own, signaling a shift toward long-term peace.

Peace negotiations between Russia and Ukraine remain at a standstill, with no significant progress expected in the near future, according to Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov.

Recent talks in Istanbul saw Ukraine call for a full and unconditional ceasefire, a demand Moscow rejected. Both sides did, however, agree on prisoner exchanges and exchanged peace proposals. Peskov emphasized the complexity of the situation and dismissed hopes for a quick resolution. He also said a summit involving the presidents of Russia, Ukraine, and the U.S. is unlikely unless negotiators reach a substantial agreement. Moscow is demanding a troop withdrawal from four Ukrainian regions as a precondition for ceasefire, while Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky insists on a full and unconditional truce.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has laid out conditions to end the Ukraine war, demanding a written commitment from NATO to halt further expansion and a rollback of certain sanctions. According to Reuters, Putin wants assurances that countries like Ukraine, Georgia, and Moldova will not be granted NATO membership. Former U.S. President Donald Trump criticized Putin for being dismissive of ceasefire talks, accusing him of “playing with fire.” Meanwhile, Moscow rejected a proposed trilateral meeting involving Trump, Zelensky, and Putin.

During peace talks held in Istanbul, head of the Russian delegation Vladimir Medinsky stated, “We do not want war, but we are prepared to continue fighting—one year, two years, even 21 years. We fought Sweden for that long before.”

Ukraine reportedly rejected Russia’s demand to withdraw its forces from four regions. In response to Ukraine’s strong objection, Russian negotiators warned, “Next time, the demand will include five regions.” Despite these tensions, both sides agreed to a prisoner exchange involving 1,000 individuals.

Russia and Ukraine have agreed to a mutual exchange of 1,000 prisoners of war each, following talks held in Turkey. Russian envoy Vladimir Medinsky stated that Ukraine has requested a direct meeting between the two presidents, which is under consideration. Both sides have reportedly agreed to present a framework for a possible ceasefire. Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov confirmed that discussions also included a potential summit between Presidents Zelensky and Putin. Notably, former U.S. President Donald Trump had expressed interest in joining the talks, but Russian President Vladimir Putin did not respond.

For the second consecutive night, Moscow has come under heavy drone assault from Ukraine. In response, four major airports—Vnukovo, Domodedovo, Sheremetyevo, and Zhukovsky—have been temporarily shut down for security reasons. Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin reported that at least 19 Ukrainian drones were intercepted and shot down across the city. Debris from some drones landed on a major highway, but no casualties have been reported. Meanwhile, in Russia’s Kursk region, a Ukrainian attack damaged a power substation in the town of Rylsk, injuring two people.