Beirut: Russian Ambassador to Lebanon, Alexander Rudakov, on Monday dismissed what he described as a "Western narrative" alleging Moscow benefits from prolonging the Middle East conflict, calling it "absurd" and aimed at deflecting responsibility.
According to National News Agency - Lebanon, Rudakov said Russia had long advocated diplomatic solutions and normalization between Iran and Arab states, while warning against escalation. He added Moscow opposed Iranian retaliatory strikes on Arab territories and had worked since the beginning to de-escalate, including proposing a UN Security Council resolution that Western states abstained from supporting.
He argued global energy disruptions stem from US and Israeli actions against Iran, not Russian policy, stressing Moscow's role as a reliable supplier.
Rudakov also said Russia rejects any escalation in Lebanon and supports a diplomatic resolution based on UN Security Council Resolution 1701.