"We continue to work on the speedy release of Maxim Kharkin, a native of Donbass"
Russia and Israel maintain an active dialogue on the Syrian issue, Russian Ambassador to Tel Aviv Anatoly Viktorov told Izvestia. According to him, the situation in the republic was discussed during the last telephone conversations between Vladimir Putin and Benjamin Netanyahu, and stabilization in the SAR will contribute to improving the situation in the entire Middle East. The diplomat stressed that Russian cooperation with Iran is not directed against the Jewish state, and also reported on ongoing efforts to free Maxim Kharkin, a native of Donbass, from captivity in Gaza. Israel as a whole continues to be an important regional partner of the Russian Federation, despite the difficult relations at the current stage. In an exclusive interview with Anatoly Viktorov, we will talk about what the Jewish state buys from Russia and in which areas the countries effectively cooperate.
"The Russian and Israeli military, as before, have many topics for professional dialogue"
— Russian President Vladimir Putin has recently had several telephone conversations with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. What, in your opinion, is the reason for this intensification of contacts at the highest level?
— A conversation at the leadership level is a normal phenomenon in bilateral relations. Moreover, Israel, as is well known, does not belong to the camp of unfriendly states.
Israel has been and remains an important partner of Russia in the region. A regular political dialogue was maintained between our countries in all foreign policy conditions. Such contacts, primarily at the highest level, traditionally form a solid foundation for multifaceted Russian-Israeli cooperation, promote mutual understanding and contribute to the search for necessary solutions to various foreign policy issues.
It is no secret that relations between our countries are not going through the best of times. There are difficult moments, and there are disagreements on some issues. Nevertheless, we have never refused to discuss any topics honestly in order to find common ground. In this context, we believe that public rhetoric should also be in line with the generally constructive nature of bilateral relations.
Naturally, over the decades of cooperation, Russia and Israel have built solid foundations in various fields. That's why we always have something to discuss. As a rule, the intensity of contacts largely depends on the nature of the events taking place. Given the dynamically developing processes in the region and the world as a whole, there were obviously topics that needed to be considered at the highest level. I can only say that, among other things, during the recent telephone conversations between President Vladimir Putin and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, various aspects of the tense situation in the Middle East were discussed.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu
— How do you assess the current level of coordination between Russia and Israel on the Syrian issue?
— One of the topics during the recent telephone conversations at the highest level was Syria. Our President emphasized the importance of supporting the unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Syrian Arab Republic. We advocate strengthening its internal political stability through respect for the legitimate rights and interests of all ethnic and religious groups of the population. Similar assessments were conveyed to the Syrian side during talks between Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and Syrian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Compatriots Abroad Asaad al-Shibani at the end of July.
As for the Israeli angle, the channel of Russian-Israeli communication on Syrian issues continues to operate. Despite the changes that have taken place over the past year, the Russian and Israeli military still have many topics for professional dialogue.
In addition, in Israel, where there is a large Druze community, there is an increased interest in the situation of the Syrian Druze. In turn, the Russian side, including through our Embassy, maintains regular confidential contacts with representatives of the Israeli Druze community and its spiritual leader, Chairman of the Supreme Religious Council of the Druze of Israel, Sheikh Muafaq Tarif. By the way, he himself has repeatedly visited Moscow for meetings with the leadership of the Russian Foreign Ministry.
We are convinced that, ultimately, the stabilization of Syria will contribute to the improvement of the situation in the entire Middle East. This development fully corresponds to the fundamental interests of both Russia and Israel.
"We have certain initiatives that we are bringing to both Israel and Iran."
— What is the current nature of cooperation between Russia and Israel in the context of the Iranian nuclear program? Is the Israeli side appealing to the Russian leadership to convey to Tehran its position on the inadmissibility of possessing nuclear weapons?
— Let me remind you that the signing in 2015 of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action to resolve the situation around the Iranian nuclear program was an example of a real political and diplomatic solution to problems in the field of nuclear nonproliferation. The agreements reached at that time were carefully verified and based on a balance of interests in full compliance with the norms of international law.
Today, we are witnessing attempts by many politically biased and destructive forces in the West to sway the situation. In fact, the lobbyists of the notorious "rules-based world order" have been openly undermining the implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 2231 for a long time. At the same time, as is customary in Western capitals, others are exposed as the culprits. I would like to count on the fact that representatives of Western countries will nevertheless focus on the necessary work based on the provisions of the NPT in the interests of ensuring not only regional, but also broader global stability.
Russia relies on the resource of diplomacy. We believe that a solution to difficult issues can be found at the negotiating table. We oppose forceful approaches. We are deeply convinced that in the context of the fragile lull that followed the so-called twelve-day war between Israel and Iran in June this year, a balanced and balanced approach to resolving the situation around the Iranian nuclear program is required. This position has been conveyed to the Israelis, including at the highest level.
In turn, Russia is ready, if the parties are interested, to provide all possible assistance in finding negotiated solutions. We have certain initiatives that we are bringing to both Israel and Iran.
In addition, we regularly explain to our Israeli colleagues that our cooperation with Iran, which they express their concern about deepening, is not directed against third countries, including Israel. Any provocative media reports on this topic are nothing more than speculation.
— Dozens of hostages are still being held in the Gaza Strip, including Maxim Kharkin, a native of Donbass. Does the Russian side have information about his condition?
— It is important to recall that Russia condemned the terrorist attack by Hamas militants on peaceful Israeli settlements on October 7, 2023. Relevant statements were made at various levels, including at the highest level," Russian President Vladimir Putin gave a principled assessment of what happened. Therefore, it is extremely surprising to still sometimes encounter the fabrications of some unscrupulous foreign journalists in the information field, trying to impose on the reader tall tales that contradict the mentioned facts.
From the very beginning of the unprecedented escalation in the Palestinian-Israeli conflict zone, the issue of the release of hostages has remained one of our priorities. Of course, special attention has always been paid to those captured Israelis who also have Russian citizenship. Our efforts in this extremely important humanitarian area have not stopped for a single day. International platforms were actively involved, and steps were taken in bilateral contacts with all those who could contribute to solving the problem. Of course, we also coordinated our actions with the Israeli authorities.
It is important that our focused work has brought concrete results. We are talking about the release of three Russian citizens in November 2023. So, Ron Krivoy was the only man who returned home for a long time. Elena Trufanova and her mother Irina Tatti were released outside the framework of the agreement between Israel and Hamas, despite attempts in the media to present the case in a different way. Based on appeals from relatives, they facilitated the release of several more citizens who do not have Russian citizenship. They included an Israeli Holocaust survivor. In February 2025, at our request, Hamas included Alexander Trufanov in the category of persons to be exchanged, taking into account that he did not meet the criteria for release at the first stage of the deal. Persistent work with the Palestinians to rescue him was carried out on behalf of Russian President Vladimir Putin. Fortunately, Sasha was able to return home.
Today, we continue to work on the speedy release of Maxim Kharkin, a native of Donbass. According to the information we have, he is listed as alive. This is confirmed by the Israeli side. Initially, we received a request from his mother, she is a Russian citizen. We call her regularly, we are in contact. In addition, Maxim's daughter also has Russian citizenship, she lives in Russia. Everything only confirms the importance of our efforts to free him.
We have several more humanitarian appeals in the works. However, it should be understood that this process is associated with many nuances. Especially in the light of recent events, it involves taking into account the current situation in the enclave and the realities "on the ground." First of all, I am referring to the adoption on August 8 by the Israeli military and political Cabinet of a plan to expand the military operation in the Gaza Strip.
I would like to refrain from further public assessments or forecasts for now.
Russian citizen Alexander Trufanov during his release and transfer by Hamas militants to the Red Cross staff. February 15, 2025
"Israel is still actively buying Russian grain"
— Is there currently any practical cooperation between Israel and Russian companies? If so, in which industries does it persist despite the international situation?
— Russia and Israel have never suspended mutual trade. Business ties are maintained, and businessmen from the two countries demonstrate interest in developing cooperation.
At the same time, our countries, of course, have to take into account a number of obvious aspects in matters of economic diplomacy and practical cooperation.
First, there is the external sanctions pressure exerted on Russia by Western countries. Illegal measures against the Russian economy have affected international value chains, caused an imbalance in investment and trade flows, reduced access to goods, services, finance and technology, and damaged the principles of fair competition in general. We know that the Israeli side itself is under constant pressure from our former trading partners in the context of the Ukrainian plot.
At the same time, the perniciousness of anti-Russian restrictions is already beginning to be realized by their instigators themselves, and the reverse effect forces leading Western experts to state the crisis phenomena in the European economy. The fact remains that Israel has not officially imposed any economic restrictions on us. But external circumstances could not but affect the general business conditions.
Secondly, we should not forget about the difficult military and political situation in the Middle East that has been going on for almost two years.
At the current stage, it is precisely the objective circumstances I mentioned that do not contribute to the full development of bilateral economic contacts. At the same time, business has learned to overcome limitations and find opportunities for mutual settlements. The routes of goods delivery have also changed. We should not forget that the structure of demand for foreign goods in Russia is also being transformed, as every year we become less dependent on imports.
Today, the main areas of bilateral trade are traditionally agriculture, food products, ferrous and non-ferrous metallurgy. Israel is still actively purchasing, for example, Russian grain.
I am convinced that our countries will continue to cooperate effectively in the economic sphere, no matter how much external forces would like to undermine it.
— The development of trade, economic and investment cooperation between the two countries has traditionally been of mutual interest. Are there plans to hold a meeting of the Russian-Israeli intergovernmental commission on trade and economic cooperation in the foreseeable future?
— We consider the Joint Intergovernmental Commission on Trade and Economic Cooperation (CMPC) as a fundamental instrument of bilateral cooperation in the trade and economic sphere.
Indeed, the commission has not held meetings for several years. The last face-to-face meeting of the Russian and Israeli delegations was held in Jerusalem in October 2018. The circumstances that led to this situation ranged from the COVID-19 pandemic to regional instability.
We remain committed to holding a meeting of the CMPC. We believe that the functioning of this mechanism, including close contacts at the level of co-chairs, as well as cooperation through working groups, contribute not only to an increase in the general level of mutual understanding, exchange of knowledge and experience between Russian and Israeli representatives, but also have a more applied result in the form of specific agreements on a wide range of areas of business cooperation.
Anyway, for its part, Russia is open to resuming work through the bilateral intergovernmental commission.
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