Moscow’s stance on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is complex. The Kremlin has built relationships with both Israeli and Palestinian groups for years. They aim for diplomatic balance instead of taking sides.
After the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack, President Vladimir Putin’s response showed Russia’s careful approach in the Middle East. Putin didn’t condemn the attack or offer condolences to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Instead, he blamed Washington’s failed policies for the escalation.
This move highlighted Kremlin Palestinian policy goals: keeping good relations across the region. It also made Moscow seem like a better option than Western powers. Hamas leaders have visited Moscow several times, showing Russia’s flexible strategy.
According to Moscow’s Middle East diplomacy. Russian officials have pushed for Palestinian unity and seen Moscow as a reliable mediator. But Russia’s foreign policy towards Palestine also serves other goals. It helps Russia connect with Arab states and compete with American interests.
Historical Roots of Russia and Palestine Relations
Russia’s history with Palestine shows how its goals have changed over time. From the Soviet Union’s strong support for freedom fighters to today’s careful diplomacy, Russia’s actions have always had a bigger purpose.
The start of Russia and Palestine relations was during a time of big ideological battles. Soviet leaders saw helping anti-colonial movements as both right and smart. This view shaped their long-term support for Palestine.
Credit: Kremlin.ru, via Wikimedia Commons. under CC BY 4.0.
Soviet Era Support for Palestinian Liberation
The Soviet Union was a big supporter of Palestinian freedom during the Cold War. They gave resources and support to groups fighting against Western-backed powers. This international support for Palestine was part of the Soviet’s plan to counter American influence in the Middle East.
The Soviets did more than just talk. They gave weapons, money, and political support to help Palestinian groups. This showed Moscow’s commitment to changing the balance of power in the region.
Military and Political Backing During the Cold War
The Soviet Union gave Palestinian groups advanced military equipment and training. This made their operations much stronger. It was part of Moscow’s strategy to support allies in disputed areas.
Politically, the Soviets also helped a lot. They used their diplomatic power to push for Palestinian rights worldwide. This cold war Middle East policy helped balance out Western views and gave Palestinians a louder voice globally.
The Soviets supported Palestine in many ways. They hosted delegations, helped with diplomatic ties, and gave financial help. These efforts built a strong foundation for Palestinian politics during tough times.
Training and Diplomatic Recognition of the PLO
The Palestine Liberation Organization got direct help from the Soviets. They trained Palestinian fighters in the USSR and its allies. This training made Palestinian armed groups more professional.
Recognizing the PLO as a legitimate political entity was a big step. The Soviet Union’s support gave the PLO international recognition. This Soviet Union Palestinian support helped the PLO become a recognized political force.
| Period | Primary Approach | Support Types | Strategic Objective |
|---|---|---|---|
| Soviet Era (1960s-1991) | Direct partisan backing | Military arms, training programs, diplomatic recognition, financial aid | Counter Western influence, support socialist-aligned movements |
| Transition (1990s) | Policy recalibration | Continued diplomatic recognition, reduced material support | Maintain regional relevance while improving Israeli ties |
| Modern Era (2000s-Present) | Balanced engagement | Statehood recognition, humanitarian assistance, diplomatic mediation | Project influence through balanced relationships with all parties |
Granting diplomatic recognition was a powerful symbol. It showed the Soviets were willing to challenge Western dominance. The PLO gained access to resources and networks it wouldn’t have had without Soviet support.
Post-Soviet Transition and Policy Recalibration
The fall of the Soviet Union forced Russia to rethink its foreign policy. Economic troubles and internal issues made it hard for Moscow to keep up expensive international commitments. Russia had to redefine its role in the Middle East under new circumstances.
This period saw Moscow adopt more flexible policies. Russian leaders realized that sticking to old ideologies wasn’t good for their country. They adapted to a changing world, showing both weakness and smart strategy.
1990s Shift Toward Balanced Middle East Approach
In the 1990s, Russia aimed to keep good relations with everyone. They worked with Israel and kept ties with Arab states and Palestinian groups. This balanced cold war Middle East policy was a big change from the Soviet era.
Economic interests started to play a bigger role in Russia’s decisions. They looked for business opportunities that Cold War ideology had limited. This balanced approach showed Russia’s reduced influence and need for diverse partnerships.
Russia’s new strategy recognized the changing Middle East. They participated in international talks and showed they were relevant without taking on too much. This approach helped Russia stay involved without overextending itself.
Russia’s Recognition of Palestinian Statehood
Russia officially recognized Palestine as a state, continuing a Soviet tradition with a new twist. This move showed Russia and Palestine relations were strong, but also part of Moscow’s balanced policy. Russian leaders said this was in line with international law and UN resolutions.
This recognition gave Palestinians support from a UN member. It was important, even as Russia also worked with Israel. This dual approach became a hallmark of Russian policy in the Middle East.
Today, Russia’s support is different from the Soviet era. They don’t give as much material help. Instead, they focus on diplomacy and mediation, showing a shift in their approach.
The history of Russia and Palestine relations shows how big changes in the world affect foreign policy. The Soviet era’s support gave Russia credibility today. But, Russia’s current actions are shaped by different times and challenges.
Does Russia Support Palestine? Moscow’s Position in 2025
In Aug–Oct 2025, the Russian Foreign Ministry restated its calls for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, the release of hostages/detainees, and renewed steps toward a two-state solution.
The Kremlin bases its stance on international law and diplomacy. This stance helps Moscow build ties across the Arab world without risking ties with Israel. Russia sees the Palestinian issue as a diplomatic tool, not a top priority.
Official Diplomatic Stance on Palestinian Rights
Moscow officially supports Palestinian self-determination, based on UN resolutions. The Russian Foreign Ministry pushes for a two-state solution with East Jerusalem as the Palestinian capital. This stance differs from the US, which leans more towards Israel.
Russian diplomats condemn Israeli settlements and call for lifting blockades. Yet, these calls rarely lead to real diplomatic pressure or sanctions against Israel. Moscow focuses on keeping dialogue open, not enforcing international law.
Statements from Russian Leadership
Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov is the main voice on Palestinian issues. At a forum in October, Lavrov discussed the conflict’s recent escalation. The event showed Russia’s support for Arab concerns and its aim to grow its influence.
Russian leaders see Palestinian statehood as a medium to achieve stability. They often mention UN Resolution 242 and other calls for Israeli withdrawal. This stance contrasts with what Moscow sees as Western inconsistency.
In talks with Palestinian leaders, Russian officials support Palestinian institutions and condemn violence. But these words rarely translate into significant help. The goal is to keep Russia’s credibility with Arab nations and show independence from the West.
Embassy Relations and Diplomatic Presence
Russia has full diplomatic ties with the Palestinian Authority through its Ramallah mission. The embassy helps in political talks and regional security issues. Moscow recognized Palestine decades before many Western countries did.
The embassy helps Russia advice Palestinian politics and keeps in touch with various factions. Yet, its activities are limited compared to other Middle Eastern posts. Russia prioritizes other relationships, like those with Egypt and Turkey.
Russian consular services in Palestine handle visas and citizen affairs but have little infrastructure. This contrasts with Russia’s extensive presence in Israel, where economic and security ties require more resources.
Russia’s Advocacy for the Two-State Solution
Moscow supports the two-state solution and calls for an independent Palestinian state. In October 2023, Russia hosted a UN Security Council debate on the Middle East, including the Palestinian issue. The goal was to push for the two-state solution.
Russian officials say the two-state solution is the only way to peace. They criticize actions that undermine negotiations, like settlement expansion. Moscow bases its stance on international consensus, including the 1947 UN Partition Plan.
The two-state solution lets Russia align with Arab League views without upsetting Israel. Moscow says both sides must negotiate without preconditions. But Russia’s limited influence makes progress hard to achieve.
On Apr 18, 2024, the Security Council failed to recommend Palestinian UN membership after a U.S. veto; Russia voted in favor. On May 10, 2024, the General Assembly expanded Palestine’s observer-mission rights and urged a fresh Council review.
Russia’s advocacy mainly happens in multilateral forums, not through direct mediation. Unlike the US, Russia doesn’t lead peace efforts. Moscow mostly reacts to initiatives from others.
Economic and Humanitarian Aid to Palestinian Territories
Russia offers modest humanitarian aid to Palestine, mostly through UNRWA and small projects. This aid is much less than what the EU, US, and Gulf states provide. Russia’s economic constraints and other priorities limit its aid.
Russia helps with medical supplies, education, and some infrastructure. But these efforts are a small fraction of what Western and Arab donors give. The gap between Moscow’s words and actions is clear.
The difference between Moscow’s words and actions shows its practical limits. Kremlin officials show solidarity with Palestine but don’t allocate much money. Russia’s own economic issues, like sanctions and military spending, limit its aid.
Trade between Russia and Palestine is almost non-existent. Palestinian exports to Russia are small, and Russian investment in Palestine is rare. This lack of economic ties limits Moscow’s influence over Palestinian decisions.
Humanitarian aid helps Russia’s image in the Arab world. Small aid shipments create goodwill without straining Moscow’s budget. This approach lets Russia appear supportive of Palestinian rights without the costs of real economic partnership.
Russia’s Strategic Interests in the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict
The Kremlin’s involvement in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict goes beyond just supporting one side. It’s about Kremlin strategic interests that help Russia in the Middle East. Moscow balances its relationships with both Israel and Palestine for economic and security gains.
This strategy lets Moscow act as a mediator, different from Western powers. It keeps good relations with all sides, even those the U.S. sees as enemies.
The Balancing Act Between Israel and Palestine
Russia carefully balances its ties with Israel and Palestine. This balance helps Moscow’s influence and keeps risks low. It shows Russia’s skill in managing complex diplomacy.
Russia and Israel have strong ties, thanks to shared interests and a large Jewish community in Russia. This limits how much Moscow can openly support Palestine without hurting its ties with Israel.
Russia’s Strong Economic Ties with Israel
Russia and Israel have strong economic ties. They trade in energy, technology, and invest in each other. This creates mutual benefits and encourages diplomacy.
Israeli tech companies have invested in Russia, and Russian firms have accessed Israeli innovation. This cooperation is valuable in many areas, from agriculture to cybersecurity.
Tourism also boosts their economic ties. Hundreds of thousands of Russians visit Israel each year. This supports Israeli businesses and strengthens government ties.
Security Cooperation and Intelligence Sharing
Russia and Israel work together on security and intelligence. They share concerns about terrorism and regional stability. This is critical in Syria, where they operate close to each other.
Israeli leaders are aware of Russia’s role in Syria and its ties with Iran. They have avoided conflicts with Russia, despite Ukraine’s push for a harder stance. This proves how Russia’s relations with Palestine are part of broader geopolitics.
The cooperation between Russian and Israeli forces in Syria shows their practical security work. It allows Israel to target Iranian interests while Russia supports the Assad regime.
Middle East Influence and Regional Power Dynamics
Moscow wants to be seen as a trusted mediator in the Arab-Israeli conflict. It supports Palestinian unity, including between Hamas and the Palestinian Authority. This makes Russia a broker for all parties.
In past conflicts, Russia has stayed neutral between Israel and Palestine. This stance helps Moscow differ from the U.S., its rival.
Competition with Western Powers
Russia competes with the U.S. and Europe on Palestinian issues. It aims to gain influence among Arabs and governments. Palestinian statehood is seen as a test of fairness in the Middle East, giving Russia an edge over Western powers.
The Kremlin uses Arab frustration with U.S. bias to build ties across the region. Supporting Palestinian rights in forums appeals to Arab opinion and sets Moscow apart from Washington.
The Ukraine war has added to Russia’s competition with the West. Regional expert Ruslan Suleymanov says Putin was upset by Israel’s unclear stance on Ukraine. This has introduced new tensions in Russia-Israel relations, affecting Moscow’s interests in the conflict.
Syria Conflict and Regional Positioning
Russia’s involvement in Syria has boosted its regional influence. The Syria operation showed Moscow’s military strength and made it a big player in the Middle East.
Moscow works with Israel, Iran, Turkey, and Arab Gulf states in Syria. Analysts say Russia’s ability to manage complex regional dynamics, something few can do.
Syria gives Russia military bases that project power in the Mediterranean and Middle East. These bases enhance Moscow’s influence, affecting its views on Palestinian issues.
Energy Security and Economic Considerations
Energy security is important to Russia’s Middle East policy, including its stance on Palestine. Keeping good relations with Arab oil and gas producers is vital for Russia’s global energy market position.
OPEC+ policy framed much of 2024–2025: cuts were extended into 2025 and later partially unwound mid-2025, shaping Russia’s coordination with Gulf producers.
Arab states’ views on Palestine influence their energy cooperation with Russia. Moscow’s support for Palestinian statehood in forums helps maintain valuable economic ties beyond energy.
| Strategic Interest | Primary Objectives | Key Challenges | Regional Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Israeli Economic Ties | Tech links, trade, investment | Balance Arab ties; war spillover | Boosts Israel cooperation; narrows room on Palestine |
| Security Coordination | Syria de-confliction, intel, counter-terror | Iran factor; incident risk | Allows parallel engagement in Syria |
| Mediation Aspirations | Alt. to U.S. talks; Arab credibility | Limited leverage; resources | Positions Moscow as “balanced” broker |
| Energy Coordination | OPEC+ policy, market share, revenue | Policy splits; price swings; transition | Steady Arab ties via energy |
The Ukraine war has complicated Russia’s energy security and its stance on Palestine. Western sanctions have made Russia more dependent on Middle Eastern markets.
This dependence makes Russia’s credibility with Arab governments and people even more important. Russia’s refusal to condemn Hamas after the October 2023 attack served strategic purposes related to energy and economics.
The connection between energy, diplomacy, and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict shows how Russia’s interests operate across many areas. Moscow’s approach is not driven by ideology but by a calculated pursuit of geopolitical advantages in a competitive world.
Russia’s Foreign Policy Towards Palestine in International Forums
The United Nations shows how Russia views Palestine. Voting records and diplomatic stances reveal Moscow’s strategy. Russia uses these forums to support Palestinian interests and challenge Western peace plans.
Russia’s actions in these bodies reflect its broader goals. By backing Palestinian rights, Moscow builds ties in the Middle East and challenges the U.S. influence.
United Nations Voting Patterns and Resolutions
Russia supports Palestine at the UN. This sets Russia apart from Western powers, like the U.S., which often blocks such measures.
Russia’s voting is consistent. It supports laws on occupation and self-determination while keeping good relations with Israel.
Support for Palestinian UN Membership
Russia has backed Palestine’s UN bid for years. It voted for the 2012 upgrade to non-member observer state status, opposed by the U.S. Russia believes this strengthens peace talks by making both sides equal.
Russia wants Palestinian sovereignty. It says full UN membership would help in talks with Israel.
Votes on Settlements and Occupation Issues
Russia always condemns Israeli settlements. It voted for UN Resolution 2334 in 2016, calling settlements illegal. The U.S. abstained, letting the resolution pass.
Russia consistently criticizes the Gaza blockade and other occupation issues.
Security Council Positions on Palestinian Issues
In October 2023, Russia focused on Palestine at the UN. It held debates on the Middle East, including the Palestinian issue. This kept Palestinian rights in the spotlight during violence.
Russia aims to work effectively in the Security Council. It emphasizes its commitment to finding a two-state solution.
But, experts say Russia’s influence is limited. Hamas might welcome Russia’s help, but Israel is unlikely to engage without U.S. involvement. This limits Moscow’s role in mediating.
Russia balances support for Palestinian statehood with the need for American involvement in peace talks. It uses its veto power to block one-sided resolutions while supporting humanitarian measures.
Coordination with Other Global Powers
Russia works with China and Arab states on Palestine. This strengthens its position against Western dominance. Russia builds coalitions in forums to support Palestinian rights.
This coordination has symbolic and practical value. Voting with the Global South helps Russia’s image as a champion of developing nations.
Contrast with United States Policy
Russia and the U.S. have different views on Palestine. The U.S. is close to Israel and has vetoed many resolutions. Russia votes with the majority to support Palestinian rights.
This contrast helps Russia win Arab support. While the U.S. aids Israel, Russia is seen as a fair mediator.
| Country | Palestinian UN Membership | Settlement Resolutions | Gaza Blockade Criticism |
|---|---|---|---|
| Russia | Supported observer status and full membership | Votes in favor of condemnation | Consistently supports criticism |
| United States | Opposed and threatened veto | Vetoes or abstains on critical resolutions | Defends Israeli security measures |
| China | Supported all Palestinian initiatives | Votes with Russia against settlements | Aligns with Russian position |
The voting shows clear policy differences. The U.S. focuses on Israeli security, while Russia emphasizes Palestinian rights.
Alignment with China and Non-Aligned Countries
China and Russia work together on the Middle East. They support Palestinian statehood and criticize Western policies. This cooperation goes beyond voting to include diplomatic efforts and conferences.
Russia’s ties with Non-Aligned Movement countries strengthen its influence. These nations, half of UN members, support Palestine and see Moscow as more open than Western capitals.
Yet, this coordination doesn’t lead to real change. Despite global support, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict remains unresolved. Russia’s efforts, like its 2023 Security Council presidency, show these limits.
Russia’s policy in forums is mostly symbolic. Voting and statements show solidarity but don’t change the conflict’s dynamics.
Conclusion
The question “does Russia support Palestine” shows a careful plan, not a strong promise. Moscow keeps good relations with Palestinian leaders and supports them at the United Nations. But, this support is not as important as other goals.
The Kremlin focuses on keeping good ties with Israel and building alliances with Arab states. These states are upset with the US’s strong support for Israel.
The October 2023 fight between Israel and Hamas showed both chances and limits for Russia. Experts say, “The fight has helped the Kremlin by taking the world’s focus off Ukraine — at least for now.” Russia didn’t criticize Hamas, which upset Israel but gave Moscow a break from criticism over Ukraine.
An expert thinks, “I believe this fight will soon stop with a peace deal, just like before. So, Russia’s happiness won’t last long. The real fight between NATO and Moscow will now have two fronts: Ukraine and the Middle East.” Russian officials argue Russia’s support for Palestine is just words. It helps Russia stay flexible without making hard choices between different powers.
FAQ
Does Russia Support Palestine?
Russia supports Palestinian statehood in words and actions. They vote for pro-Palestinian resolutions at the UN. They also keep ties with Palestinian groups like Hamas.
What is Russia’s Position on the Palestinian Conflict?
Russia wants a Two-State solution for peace. They believe in Palestinian statehood within recognized borders. They also think East Jerusalem should be the Palestinian capital.
Why Did Russia Not Condemn Hamas After the October 2023 Attack?
Russia didn’t condemn Hamas for strategic reasons. They wanted to keep good relations with Arab countries. They also didn’t want to be seen as too close to the West.
How Does Russia Balance Relations Between Israel and Palestine?
Russia tries to keep good relations with both Israel and Palestine. They work with Israel on economic and security issues. At the same time, they support Palestinian statehood and meet with Hamas.
What is Russia’s Foreign Policy Towards Palestine in the United Nations?
Russia supports Palestinian rights in the UN. They vote for resolutions that help Palestinians. They also push for a Two-State solution. In October 2023, Russia focused on the Palestinian issue at the UN.
Can Russia Serve as a Mediator in the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict?
Russia wants to be a mediator in the conflict. They see themselves as an alternative to U.S. efforts. Hamas might welcome Russian help, but Israel is unlikely to work with them without U.S. involvement.
