Putin Rejects Suspension of Aid to Hamas-Run PA
In an interview with Spanish media, published today, Russian President Vladimir Putin reiterated his objection to suspending aid to the Palestinian Authority, regardless of the Hamas terrorist organization's position there. Putin is beginning a two-day state visit to Spain today.

"It would be a big mistake to suspend aid to the Palestinians," the Russian leader said. "If we stop helping simple Palestinian citizens, are we going to eradicate terrorism and criminality? Of course not."

Putin added that while Hamas is "considered as terrorist by the whole European community, [it] has assumed power in legitimate fashion." Unlike the EU and the US, Russia does not classify Hamas as a terrorist group.