On Thursday, October 2, 2025, Russian President Vladimir Putin offered a cautiously optimistic assessment of US President Donald Trump’s recently proposed 20-point ceasefire plan for the Gaza Strip, describing it as a potential “light at the end of the tunnel” for resolving one of the most protracted and devastating conflicts in the modern era. Speaking at the Valdai Discussion Club, an annual forum for global policy discussions held in Russia, Putin suggested that Moscow might support the initiative, provided certain conditions are met and key questions are addressed. His remarks come at a time when the Gaza conflict continues to draw international attention, with widespread calls for a resolution to the humanitarian crisis and escalating violence in the region.
Putin began his address by emphasizing the gravity of the situation in Gaza, echoing sentiments expressed by United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, who has described the territory as one of the world’s largest “children’s cemeteries.” The Russian leader called the ongoing crisis “a horrific event in the modern history of humanity,” underscoring the scale of suffering, particularly among civilians. The conflict, rooted in decades of territorial disputes, political tensions, and competing national aspirations, has led to thousands of deaths, widespread displacement, and a humanitarian catastrophe that has drawn condemnation from global leaders and organizations.
“We are now becoming more familiar with President Trump’s initiatives, and it seems to me that there may be some light at the end of the tunnel,” Putin said, signaling a shift from Russia’s traditionally reserved stance on Western-led diplomatic efforts in the Middle East. However, he tempered his optimism with a critique of what he described as traditional Western unilateral diplomacy. According to Putin, approaches that “ignore the history, traditions, identity, and culture of the peoples living there” are doomed to fail. This statement reflects Russia’s broader foreign policy perspective, which often emphasizes respect for local contexts and multilateral engagement over what it perceives as Western-imposed solutions.
The Russian president outlined Moscow’s long-standing support for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, a position rooted in United Nations resolutions dating back to 1948 and 1974. These resolutions, particularly UN General Assembly Resolution 181 and Security Council Resolution 338, called for the establishment of separate Israeli and Palestinian states and a framework for peace negotiations, respectively. Putin suggested that if Trump’s 20-point plan aligns with this ultimate goal of creating a viable Palestinian state alongside Israel, it could garner Russia’s backing. “If this plan leads to a two-state solution, as has been historically supported by the international community, it could be a step forward,” he said.
While Putin acknowledged that he had not yet studied the full details of Trump’s proposal, he highlighted several elements that caught his attention. One key aspect of the plan is the establishment of an international governing body to oversee Gaza’s administration during a transitional period. Putin noted speculation that former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair could lead this body, describing Blair as an experienced figure who might play a “positive role” in stabilizing the region. Blair, who served as the Quartet’s special envoy to the Middle East from 2007 to 2015, has extensive experience in the region, though his involvement in past Western interventions, particularly the Iraq War, remains controversial.
However, Putin raised critical questions about the practical implementation of such an international administration. “How long will this body operate? How will power be transferred to local authorities? And how will security be ensured?” he asked. These concerns reflect broader uncertainties about the feasibility of external governance in a region marked by deep political divisions and a history of resistance to foreign intervention. Putin stressed that any transitional arrangement must ultimately empower local Palestinian leadership. “In my opinion, everything should be handed over to President Abbas and the current Palestinian administration,” he said, referring to Mahmoud Abbas, the president of the Palestinian Authority.
The Russian leader also suggested that local militias could play a role in maintaining security during a transitional phase, provided they operate under a structured framework. This proposal raises questions about the inclusion of groups like Hamas, which controls Gaza and is designated a terrorist organization by several Western countries, including the United States and the European Union. Putin emphasized that the perspectives of Palestinians, regional states, and even Hamas must be taken into account for any agreement to succeed. “No solution will work without considering the views of those directly involved,” he said, highlighting the need for inclusive dialogue.
Among the elements of Trump’s plan that Putin explicitly endorsed were clauses calling for the release of all hostages held in Gaza and the freeing of Palestinian prisoners detained in Israeli jails. The ongoing conflict, particularly since its escalation in October 2023, has seen numerous Israeli civilians and soldiers taken hostage by Hamas, while Israel holds thousands of Palestinian prisoners, many without formal charges. Putin stressed the importance of clarifying the number of individuals to be released and the timeline for such exchanges, noting that these details would be critical to the plan’s success. “These are humanitarian priorities that must be addressed transparently,” he said.
However, Putin cautioned that the plan’s viability hinges on Israel’s position, which remains unclear. “Israel’s stance will be decisive,” he said, acknowledging the Jewish state’s central role in any agreement affecting Gaza. Israel has historically been skeptical of international interventions that do not prioritize its security concerns, particularly given Hamas’s stated goal of destroying the state. The lack of clarity on Israel’s response underscores the challenges facing Trump’s initiative, as any ceasefire or governance plan would require buy-in from all major parties, including Israel, the Palestinian Authority, and Hamas.
Trump’s 20-point plan, as outlined in recent reports, includes several key components aimed at addressing both immediate and long-term challenges in Gaza. In addition to the release of hostages and prisoners, the plan calls for the disbanding of Hamas as a military and political entity, a goal that aligns with Israel’s objectives but is likely to face resistance from Palestinian factions. It also proposes a significant increase in humanitarian aid to Gaza, where years of blockade, conflict, and economic hardship have left much of the population dependent on external assistance. Finally, the plan envisions transferring control of Gaza to an interim administration composed of Palestinian technocrats and international experts, a move intended to stabilize the territory while laying the groundwork for long-term governance reforms.
Putin’s remarks at the Valdai Discussion Club reflect Russia’s broader ambition to position itself as a key player in Middle East diplomacy. While Moscow has historically maintained relations with both Israel and Palestinian groups, including Hamas, its influence in the region has often been overshadowed by the United States and other Western powers. By expressing conditional support for Trump’s plan, Putin may be seeking to carve out a more prominent role for Russia in shaping the region’s future, particularly as the United States navigates its own domestic and foreign policy challenges.
As the international community awaits further details on Trump’s proposal and Israel’s response, the situation in Gaza remains dire. The conflict has claimed tens of thousands of lives, displaced hundreds of thousands of people, and caused widespread destruction of infrastructure. The humanitarian crisis, coupled with the political complexities of implementing a ceasefire, underscores the urgency of finding a viable path to peace. Putin’s cautiously optimistic tone suggests that Russia is prepared to engage constructively in the process, but his emphasis on inclusivity, local empowerment, and clarity in implementation highlights the significant hurdles that lie ahead.
In conclusion, while Trump’s 20-point ceasefire plan offers a potential framework for addressing the Gaza crisis, its success will depend on the willingness of all parties to compromise and the ability of the international community to navigate the region’s complex political and cultural dynamics. Putin’s remarks signal Russia’s readiness to support a solution that aligns with its long-standing advocacy for a two-state solution, but they also underscore the need for transparency, inclusivity, and respect for local realities. As the world watches, the coming weeks will be critical in determining whether this “light at the end of the tunnel” can illuminate a path to lasting peace in Gaza.
