Israel’s Foreign Affairs minister Meir Shitrit is right when he considers Vladimir Putin’s scheduled meeting with Hamas an act of treason. The Russian president has unilateraly decided that Hamas is a worthy partner to discuss peace, but the armed movement has not declared a ceasefire. On the contrary, an exultant Hamas has increased their verbal threats against Israel ever since they managed to win the Palestinian elections.

Russia desperately wants to be seen as a world power. Moscow’s diplomacy intervenes in many matters far away from home. But current Russia is far from being a superpower. With a stagnant economy, strong mafias, tensions with its neighbours and bleeding armed conflicts within their own territory, Russia should clean its own house before preaching elsewhere. The Kremlin wishes to recover a bit of its long-evaporated grandeur in the eyes of its own population and the world. But, apart from still having a risky arsenal of leaking old nuclear missiles, Russia can’t invoke any reasons why her voice should be heard with more attention than those of other middle powers. Countries like Canada, Spain, Australia or South Africa are in a better position than big Russia to contribute their diplomatic efforts in the Middle East or elsewhere. Their economic success makes them more important partners, and their impeccable democratic systems provide them with a moral authority Russia is far from possessing.

By seating to discuss with Hamas without asking for a previous and clear stand for peace and recognition of Israel, Putin once more attracts attention. This move might prove useful to him at home, but it will certainly produce no results other than, possibly, making the Hamas leadership feel even stronger. If Putin's real concern is peace and security for both Israel and Palestine, he shouldn't meet Hamas. Not until they give up violence and recognize Israel.