Can Putin be a peacemaker in the Israel-Hamas conflict?

Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed concerns about the potential civilian casualties during an Israeli ground offensive in Gaza. He called for an immediate halt to the bloodshed and expressed Russia’s willingness to coordinate with constructive partners. While Putin acknowledged Israel’s right to defend itself, he blamed the US for the conflict and emphasized the need for collective efforts to achieve a ceasefire. Some analysts caution that Russia may have ulterior motives, such as diverting attention away from Ukraine and capitalizing on the resulting geopolitical complexities. Additionally, instability in the Middle East could benefit Russia’s oil-dependent economy.