Russia says stance on Jerusalem unchanged after Trump announcement

Russia’s ambassador to Israel says Moscow’s position regarding the Israeli-Palestinian peace process has not changed in the wake of Trump’s announcement declaring Jerusalem the capital of Israel.

In a statement, Alexander Shein notes that Russia already recognizes West Jerusalem as the Israeli capital, but says the status of the city must ultimately be determined by both sides in the framework of peace negotiations.

“By recognizing West Jerusalem as the capital of the State of Israel, we do not impose any solutions on the parties,” the statement says. “Those, including the future status of Jerusalem, should be agreed upon in the direct Palestinian-Israeli negotiations.”

He says the Russian embassy in Israel can move to Jerusalem after a peace agreement based on the two-state solution is reached.