Putin blames Ukraine for anti-Israel riot, but says Russian law enforcement must be ‘firm’

This photograph distributed by Russian state-owned agency Sputnik shows Russia's President Vladimir Putin chairing a Security Council meeting via a video link in Moscow on October 20, 2023. (Gavriil GRIGOROV / POOL / AFP)
This photograph distributed by Russian state-owned agency Sputnik shows Russia's President Vladimir Putin chairing a Security Council meeting via a video link in Moscow on October 20, 2023. (Gavriil GRIGOROV / POOL / AFP)

Russian President Vladimir Putin accuses Ukraine and “Western special services” of instigating the anti-Israel riot at Dagestan’s Makhachkala airport last night, but calls on Russian security services to maintain order.

“The events in Makhachkala last night were instigated also through social networks, not least from Ukraine, by the hands of agents of Western special services,” Putin says in televised comments.

The Russian president calls on Russian law enforcement to take “firm” actions following the antisemitic mob attack.

“I want to draw the attention of heads of all regions, heads of law enforcement agencies and special services to the need for firm, timely and clear actions to protect Russia’s constitutional order, the rights and freedoms of our citizens, inter-ethnic and inter-religious harmony,” Putin says.

Most Popular
If you’d like to comment, join
The Times of Israel Community.
Join The Times of Israel Community
Commenting is available for paying members of The Times of Israel Community only. Please join our Community to comment and enjoy other Community benefits.
Please use the following structure: example@domain.com
Confirm Mail
Thank you! Now check your email
You are now a member of The Times of Israel Community! We sent you an email with a login link to . Once you're set up, you can start enjoying Community benefits and commenting.