The Kremlin has denied Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's suggestion that it was in Russia's interests to stoke war in the Middle East to weaken global unity. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said the conflict was long-standing, with very deep roots, adding that Russia was in contact with both Israel and the Palestinians.br br Ukrainian president had accused Russia of trying to exploit the crisis in Israel following the October 7 attacks by Hamas. Zelensky said Russian propagandists were "gloating" at developments and that Moscow’s ally Iran was openly supporting those attacking Israel.