Netanyahu Meets Putin in Moscow, Attends Victory Day Parade

During his visit to Russia, Netanyahu attended the annual Victory Day parade and wreath-laying ceremony at the Red Square, followed by talks with Putin focused on "continued coordination" between the Israeli and Russian militaries

Netanyahu Meets Putin in Moscow, Attends Victory Day Parade

Photo: AP

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu left for Moscow on Wednesday morning for a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin – their eighth over the past two years.

President Putin had personally invited Prime Minister Netanyahu to participate alongside him in the events of Russia's annual Victory Day.

The two leaders, joined by Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić, attended Russia's military parade marking the anniversary of the Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany.

Russia rolled out its latest military hardware on Moscow's Red Square, parading 159 types of hardware, including 75 aircraft – many of which have been tested in Syria.

For the first time, the parade included drones, which were wheeled across the square on trailers, as well as a de-mining robot used by the military in Syria's Palmyra and Aleppo and an unmanned tank.

Referring to the current political situation, Putin warned against a repeat of World War II, saying that "behind new threats are the same ugly traits: egotism, intolerance, aggressive nationalism and claims to be unique."

"Russia is open to dialogue on all questions of ensuring global security" and is "ready for constructive, equal partnership," he said in a speech at the Memorial to the Unknown Soldier by the Kremlin walls.

Before his departure from Tel Aviv, Netanyahu stressed that his aim was ensuring the Israeli army and Russian military do not clash in Syria, where their interests are often at odds. “In light of what is happening in Syria at this moment, it is necessary to ensure the continued security coordination between the Russian army and the Israel Defense Forces,” Netanyahu said.

 

[Sources: The Jerusalem Post, i24 News]

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