In a series of phone calls on Monday, Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed his urgent call for a ceasefire in the ongoing conflict in the Middle East while speaking with UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. This dialogue comes in the wake of rising hostilities following US and Israeli military actions directed at Iran, a key ally of Russia. The situation has escalated, leading to retaliatory attacks from Iran that have affected air travel and security in major Gulf cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi, raising alarms about the wider implications for regional stability.

Putin’s conversation with President Al Nahyan emphasized the need for an immediate ceasefire and a recommitment to the diplomatic process. The Kremlin provided a readout of the call, indicating that Putin offered to communicate UAE’s concerns regarding Iranian retaliations to Tehran and extend support for stabilizing the area. These discussions underscore Russia’s position as a key mediator and its strategic interests in maintaining influence in Middle Eastern affairs, especially with the potential for increased conflict.

In the dialogue with Qatar’s Emir, both leaders acknowledged the risks of further escalation and the possibility of involving external nations in the conflict. The Kremlin indicated that these conversations are part of Russia's broader attempts to engage in peacemaking efforts amid the troubling dynamics in the Middle East, particularly concerning the ongoing impacts of the conflict on Gulf nations and their security frameworks.