MOSCOW, May 10, 2025 (WAFA) — President Mahmoud Abbas met today with President of the Russian Federation, Vladimir Putin, on the sidelines of the 80th anniversary celebrations marking the victory over Nazism, hosted in the Russian capital, Moscow.
President Abbas expressed his appreciation for President Putin’s invitation to attend the commemoration, and lauded the historic Palestinian-Russian relationship. He commended Russia's longstanding and consistent support for the Palestinian people and their legitimate rights, affirming the deep bonds of friendship between the two nations across various fields of mutual interest.
During the meeting, President Abbas briefed his Russian counterpart on the latest developments in the occupied Palestinian territories, particularly the ongoing Israeli aggression in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including Jerusalem. He described the situation as a relentless campaign targeting unarmed civilians—children, women, and the elderly—and resulting in the widespread destruction of infrastructure and the deliberate starvation of the population.
President Abbas stressed the urgent need for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and an end to the ongoing Israeli genocidal. He emphasized the critical necessity of allowing urgent humanitarian aid—food, water, medicine, and fuel—into the Gaza Strip, which has been under total blockade since March 2.
He reiterated the demand for a complete Israeli withdrawal from the Gaza Strip, and an end to the ongoing assaults in the West Bank, including incursions into Islamic and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem.
The two leaders also discussed ways to strengthen the historic ties between their countries and expand cooperation in various sectors to serve the interests of both peoples. They also exchanged views on several regional and international issues of mutual concern.
President Putin reaffirmed Russia's unwavering support for the Palestinian people and their right to self-determination in accordance with international law and legitimacy. He also emphasized the urgent need to end the war in Gaza, facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid, and prevent the forced displacement of Palestinians from their homeland.
The meeting was attended by Executive Committee member of the PLO Ahmad Majdalani, President Abbas’ special advisor Yasser Abbas, General Supervisor of the Official Media Minister Ahmad Assaf, and Palestinian Ambassador to Russia Abdul Hafiz Nofal.
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