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Naftali Bennett: Putin told me 'I won't kill Zelensky'

Former Israeli Prime Minister went on a mediation mission to Moscow in the early days of the war

February 5, 2023 13:29
GettyImages-1236042936 Putin Bennett
Russian President Vladimir Putin (R) shakes hands with Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett during their meeting, in Sochi, on October 22 2021. (Photo by Yevgeny BIYATOV / Sputnik / AFP) (Photo by YEVGENY BIYATOV/Sputnik/AFP via Getty Images)
1 min read

Former Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennet said he obtained assurances from Russian President Vladimir Putin that he would not kill his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky when they met in the early days of the war last year.

Mr Bennet flew to Moscow to mediate last March shortly after the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

In an interview posted on his YouTube channel, the Israeli ex-premier said he had received “two great concessions”, the Times of Israel reported.

When he asked Mr Putin whether he intended to kill Mr Zelensky, Mr Putin had replied “I won’t kill Zelensky.” And when Mr Bennett pressed the Russian leader, he repeated the pledge.