Putin Apologizes for Saying "Hitler Was Also Jewish" in Phone Call with Israeli Prime Minister

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] Russian President Vladimir Putin held a phone call with Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, focusing on the Ukraine situation. President Putin is also reported to have officially apologized for the recent remarks made by Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, who said "Hitler was also Jewish."

According to CNN on the 5th (local time), President Putin and Prime Minister Bennett held a phone call that day to discuss the Ukraine situation and the evacuation of civilians from the Mariupol Azovstal steel plant. During the call, President Putin stated, "Russian soldiers are prepared to ensure the safe evacuation of civilians as before," and insisted, "The Ukrainian government must order the Ukrainian fighters remaining at the Azovstal steel plant to lay down their arms."

President Putin also officially apologized for Foreign Minister Lavrov's remarks during a recent interview with Italian media, in which he said "Adolf Hitler was also of Jewish descent." The Israeli Prime Minister's Office stated in a press release, "Prime Minister Bennett accepted the apology and expressed gratitude to President Putin for clarifying his stance on Jews and the Holocaust."

The two leaders also emphasized the importance of the upcoming Victory Day commemorated on May 9 by both Russia and Israel to all citizens of both countries, honoring all war dead including Holocaust victims, the Kremlin reported.

President Putin's direct apology over concerns about deteriorating relations with Israel is considered unusual. Israel, while being a key U.S. ally in the Middle East, has maintained relations with Russia by not actively participating in sanctions against Russia or providing weapons support to Ukraine.

According to the British BBC, many Russian-born Jews are active in Israeli politics, and there are also many Jewish oligarchs in Russia. Roman Abramovich, a Russian oligarch reportedly leading negotiations with Ukraine, is also of Jewish descent.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.