Russian President Asserts Ukrainian Involvement in Dagestan Airport Unrest, Lacks Supporting Evidence

On Monday, Russian President Vladimir Putin made unsubstantiated allegations that Western intelligence agencies, in collaboration with operatives in Ukraine, orchestrated a riot in Dagestan’s southern region. The disturbance occurred after the landing of an airplane from Israel at Makhachkala airport. Putin contends that these events are part of a larger U.S. strategy to destabilize Russia.

The disorder involved hundreds of agitated individuals storming the Makhachkala airport tarmac, many brandishing signs featuring antisemitic slogans. They were ostensibly searching for Israeli passengers who had arrived on the flight from Tel Aviv.

According to regional health authorities, over 20 people were injured in the tumult—none of whom were Israeli. Law enforcement and civilians were among those hurt, with two in critical condition. More than 80 individuals have been arrested in relation to the upheaval, and Russia’s Investigative Committee has initiated a criminal investigation on charges of organizing mass unrest.

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Moscow has expressed measured criticisms of both Israel and Hamas in the ongoing conflict between them, positioning itself as a global mediator and challenging Western efforts to marginalize Russia due to its activities in Ukraine.

In televised statements, Putin attributed the Israel-Hamas conflict to terrorist activities against Israeli civilians and others but criticized Israel for disproportionately affecting non-combatants.

Social media images and videos captured some rioters at the Makhachkala airport waving Palestinian flags and chanting religious slogans. They also displayed handcrafted banners with phrases such as “Child killers are not welcome in Dagestan” and “We’re against Jewish refugees.”

Some of the rioters surrounded an empty plane from Russian airline Red Wings and halted a bus transporting passengers from the Israeli flight, inspecting their identification documents before eventually releasing them.

Law enforcement took several hours to disperse the crowd, who pelted officers with stones. Putin did not evaluate the Russian authorities’ handling of the incident but directed fresh criticism at the United States for inciting disorder in the Middle East and Ukraine.

In an unsubstantiated claim, Putin further accused Western intelligence agencies operating in Ukraine of utilizing social media platforms to incite the Dagestan unrest, aiming to weaken Russia.

State media cited Dagestan Governor Sergei Melikov, who said that a Telegram channel run by “traitors” in Ukraine coordinated the unrest to destabilize the region.

In response to the incident, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office has called on Russian law enforcement to safeguard all Israeli nationals and Jews globally and to act decisively against the instigators.

The Israeli Ambassador to Moscow, Alexander Ben Zvi, verified that no passengers on the Israel flight were injured.

Makhachkala airport resumed operations on Monday afternoon. Some Russian airlines offer more economical flights from Israel to Makhachkala, with subsequent connections to Moscow. Following these events, Israel’s National Security Council and Foreign Ministry have escalated the travel advisory to the highest Level 4 for Dagestan and other southern Russian regions, advising Israelis to refrain from visiting and urging those currently present to depart.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Unsubstantiated Claims of Ukrainian Involvement in Dagestan Airport Riot

More about Unsubstantiated Claims of Ukrainian Involvement in Dagestan Airport Riot

• Putin Accuses Western Agencies in Dagestan Riot
• Unrest in Dagestan: A Detailed Report
• Israel-Hamas Conflict and Its Global Implications
• Russia’s Role as a Global Mediator
• Travel Advisory Updates for Dagestan and Southern Russia
• Dagestan Governor’s Comments on the Riot
• Russian Investigative Committee Initiates Criminal Probe
• U.S.-Russia Relations Amid Global Instability
• Social Media’s Role in Inciting Regional Unrest
• Israeli Government’s Response to Dagestan Incident