Russia offers to help calm Middle East tensions

Russian officials, including President Vladimir Putin, have said Russia is trying to help reduce tensions in the Middle East. The Kremlin stated Putin is making every effort to contribute to a de-escalation and has offered to use Russia's connections, including with Iran, to help restore calm.

Putin discussed the situation with the president of the United Arab Emirates. Other officials, like Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova, commented on the conflict's consequences and tragic nature.