Russian President Vladimir Putin and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman expressed “serious concern” over the escalating Middle East conflict and its impact on global energy security during a phone call on Thursday, the Kremlin said.

According to a Kremlin statement, both leaders highlighted rising civilian casualties and the destruction of key infrastructure following the conflict that began on February 28 with strikes by Israel and the United States on Iran.

The two sides called for an immediate cessation of hostilities and urged intensified diplomatic efforts to resolve the crisis. They also warned that disruptions in energy production and transportation were posing a direct threat to global markets.

Putin and the Saudi crown prince underscored the importance of continued coordination within the OPEC+ framework to stabilise oil prices and ensure market balance amid growing uncertainty.

The conversation came as Ukraine, which has been under Russian attack since 2022, deepened defence cooperation with Saudi Arabia.

Kyiv has offered Gulf countries its expertise in intercepting drones, proposing a potential exchange involving cost-effective drone defence systems for more advanced air defence missiles to counter Iranian threats.