During his current Moscow visit, Vladimir Putin is not expected to hold a meeting with officials or representatives from the Palestinian Hamas movement. A Kremlin spokesperson indicated that any engagement with the Hamas delegation will be routed through the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, signaling a channelled and controlled diplomatic approach rather than direct talks on the ground. This clarification came as part of a broader briefing on the agenda of the visit and the modalities of communication with non-state actors linked to the Gaza situation. The emphasis on MFA-led contacts underscores Moscow’s preference for formal diplomatic mechanisms when dealing with contentious regional players. [Citation: Kremlin spokesperson statement, as reported by Russian news agencies]
In responding to inquiries, the press secretary stated plainly: no direct meetings are planned. The intended practice is to facilitate dialogue through official channels at the Foreign Ministry, ensuring consistency with existing Russian policy lines. This clarification helps set expectations about the nature of any dialogues with Hamas, framing them within institutional diplomacy rather than bilateral summit-level discussions. [Citation: TASS coverage of the press briefing]
Prior to this announcement, the delegation connected with Hamas had already engaged with senior Moscow interlocutors. A key figure, the Russian president’s special representative for the Middle East and African countries, held a negotiating session with the deputy head of Russia’s Foreign Ministry, Mikhail Bogdanov, in the Russian capital. The subsequent Russian Foreign Ministry statement highlighted that topics included hostage releases and the safe evacuation of Russian nationals from the Gaza Strip, indicating that humanitarian and security concerns remain central to the talks. The discussions were positioned as part of ongoing diplomatic channels aimed at reducing tensions and coordinating humanitarian access. [Citation: Russian Foreign Ministry press release]
Within the Hamas leadership entourage in Moscow was Abu Marzuk, a senior political bureau member of the movement. His visit, coordinated with official Russian representatives, was described as a step to explore constructive avenues within the framework of Moscow’s diplomatic engagement with regional actors. Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova confirmed that the moves would be communicated in due course, aligning with Russia’s preference to keep information coordinated through the appropriate ministries and official spokespeople. The public updates are framed to ensure accuracy and avoid misinterpretation in a fast-moving crisis. [Citation: Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson statements]
As part of the broader humanitarian effort tied to the Israel-Gaza crisis, Russian diplomats have continued their work to coordinate aid deliveries and ensure aid access for civilians affected by the conflict. The emphasis remains on humanitarian corridors, protective measures for aid workers, and neutral facilitation to help alleviate the suffering of innocent people while maintaining international and domestic diplomatic sensitivities. This approach reflects Moscow’s longstanding stance that humanitarian relief should proceed under the auspices of international law and in cooperation with international organizations. [Citation: Moscow humanitarian coordination briefings]