Fact Check: "Putin condemns U.S. strikes as 'absolutely unprovoked aggression'!"
What We Know
On June 23, 2025, Russian President Vladimir Putin condemned U.S. airstrikes targeting Iran's nuclear facilities, characterizing these actions as "absolutely unprovoked aggression" that lacked justification. This statement was made during a meeting with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi in Moscow, just two days after the strikes occurred. Putin emphasized that the aggression against Iran "has no basis and no justification" and expressed Russia's intent to assist the Iranian people in the aftermath of the attacks (source-2, source-3).
During this meeting, Araqchi thanked Putin for his condemnation of the U.S. actions and stated that Iran was engaging in legitimate self-defense. The context of the strikes was heightened tensions in the region, with prior warnings from Moscow about the destabilizing effects of U.S. military intervention (source-3, source-5).
Analysis
The claim that Putin condemned U.S. strikes as "absolutely unprovoked aggression" is supported by multiple credible sources. Reuters and other news outlets reported on Putin's statements, confirming that he explicitly used the phrase "absolutely unprovoked aggression" in his remarks (source-2, source-3).
The reliability of these sources is high, as they include established news organizations like Reuters, which are known for their rigorous fact-checking and journalistic standards. The statements were made in a public setting and were reported widely, indicating a consensus on the content of Putin's remarks.
However, it is important to note that while Putin's condemnation reflects Russia's political stance and its alliance with Iran, it may also serve as a strategic maneuver to position Russia as a defender of international law and regional stability. This context is crucial when evaluating the motivations behind such statements (source-5).
Conclusion
The claim that "Putin condemns U.S. strikes as 'absolutely unprovoked aggression'" is True. Putin's statements were clearly documented and reported by multiple reliable sources, confirming that he used this specific phrasing to describe the U.S. military actions against Iran. His remarks reflect both a condemnation of U.S. actions and an assertion of Russia's role in supporting Iran amidst escalating tensions.
