Interreligious and interfaith harmony form the foundation of Russian statehood; any contrary stance is anti-Russian, declared Russian President Vladimir Putin during a meeting with representatives of all Russian traditional faiths.
The president, who expressed his intent to address the escalating situation in the Middle East, also extended gratitude to those present for their support of the Russian military, the "combatants, and their families," acknowledging "all those who fight for Russia."
TASS has compiled the key points from the president's address.
Addressing the Palestinian situation
Russia is closely monitoring the situation in the Holy Land "with concern and a heavy heart." Putin extended condolences to the families of all those who lost their lives during the October 7 attack by Hamas fighters in Israel.
However, it is evident that innocent people should not be held accountable for crimes committed by others, and the principle of "collective responsibility," resulting in the deaths of elderly people, women, children, entire families, and leaving hundreds of thousands without shelter, food, water, electricity, and medical care, as seen in the Gaza Strip, is unacceptable.
Russia maintains that the conflict can be resolved in accordance with decisions made by the UN Security Council, which involves "the establishment of two independent and sovereign states: Israel and Palestine."
Concerns about escalation risks
The conflict has the potential "to extend far beyond the Middle East's borders." Some actors are attempting "to manipulate national and religious sentiments to incite further escalation, involving as many countries and peoples as possible." This could lead to a significant surge in chaos and mutual hatred.
"This kind of policy, if you can call it that, has been in practice for an extended period, predating the current crisis. The current escalation poses the gravest, extremely perilous, and profoundly destructive consequences. Therefore, it is of utmost importance to put an end to the bloodshed and violence," Putin stressed.
Understanding faith-based conflicts
To counter the emergence of multipolarity in the world, the West has a "recurring tendency to use a range of tactics, including Islamophobia, anti-Semitism, and Russophobia." "They often pit Muslims against Jews, encourage conflict with non-believers, foster divisions between Shiites and Sunnis, and Orthodox Christians against Catholics." In Europe, there is a growing tolerance for sacrilege and vandalism.
Furthermore, in the Western world, "some individuals with connections to Nazi crimes and anti-Semitism are celebrated at an official level." In Ukraine, "there are efforts to sideline the canonical Orthodox Church and exacerbate religious divisions."
Foundations of Russia's statehood
Interethnic and interreligious harmony forms the foundation of Russian statehood—"an extremely significant element at all times, and particularly in the current context." Anything that disrupts this harmony "carries an anti-Russian essence."
"The unity and cohesion of our society represent an unequivocal treasure. We are one people, sharing a common homeland, and we all bear collective responsibility for its prosperity and security."
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"
Photo: official website of the President of the Russian Federation
Based on materials from TASS