Conflict in Ukraine 'nothing like' that in Gaza, says Putin

By Burc Eruygur

ISTANBUL (AA) - Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Thursday that the conflict in Ukraine was "nothing like" what is taking place in the Gaza Strip, pummeled by over two months of Israeli attacks.

"We were just talking about the situation ... related to the Ukrainian crisis. But you, and everyone present here, and all over the world see. Look at the special military operation (in Ukraine) and what is happening in Gaza and feel the difference. There is nothing like this in Ukraine," Putin said during an annual televised press conference in Moscow.

Putin went on to say events in the Gaza Strip amount to a "disaster," pointing to comments by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, who said the enclave had become "the largest cemetery for children in the world."

"This is an objective assessment, what can I say here," Putin said.

Putin also said his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan is playing a leading role in resolving the situation in Gaza.

"He is, of course, one of the leaders of the international community who pays attention to this tragedy and does everything to ensure that the situation is changed for the better in order to create conditions for long-term peace," Putin added.

Israel has bombarded the Gaza Strip from the air and land, imposed a siege, and mounted a ground offensive in the wake of a cross-border attack by Hamas on Oct. 7.

At least 18,608 Palestinians have been killed and 50,594 injured in the Israeli onslaught since then, according to Gaza’s health authorities.

The official Israeli death toll in the Hamas attack stands at 1,200, while around 139 hostages remain in captivity, according to official figures.