Putin says Russia ready to offer logistic solutions amid Mideast tensions

Russian President Vladimir Putin delivers a video address during the first International Transport and Logistics Forum held in St. Petersburg, Russia, April 1, 2026. Putin said on Wednesday that the country could offer solutions to help reshape the global logistics and trade architecture amid recent developments in the Middle East. (Photo by Guo Feizhou/Xinhua)

ST. PETERSBURG, April 1 (Xinhua) -- Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Wednesday that the country could offer solutions to help reshape the global logistics and trade architecture amid recent developments in the Middle East.

Putin made the remarks while attending the first International Transport and Logistics Forum, being held in St. Petersburg this week. He said that transport and logistics, as key pillars of the global economy, are undergoing significant transformation.

The Iran war has already affected global energy markets and the transportation of oil and gas through the Strait of Hormuz, he said, noting that countries and companies are placing increasing emphasis not only on speed and cost, but also on the security and resilience of transport routes and supply chains.

Russia could play an important role in building a new global logistics framework, offering routes that are both economically efficient and capable of diversifying international transport flows, he said.

To support the development of transport and logistics, Putin reaffirmed Russia's readiness to pursue joint scientific and technological programs and to train specialists.

A trainer aircraft is pictured during the first International Transport and Logistics Forum in St. Petersburg, Russia, April 1, 2026. The first International Transport and Logistics Forum kicked off here on Wednesday, and will last until April 3. (Photo by Guo Feizhou/Xinhua)

An engine for trainer aircraft is pictured during the first International Transport and Logistics Forum in St. Petersburg, Russia, April 1, 2026. The first International Transport and Logistics Forum kicked off here on Wednesday, and will last until April 3. (Photo by Guo Feizhou/Xinhua)

A staff member demonstrates the railway traffic control system during the first International Transport and Logistics Forum in St. Petersburg, Russia, April 1, 2026. The first International Transport and Logistics Forum kicked off here on Wednesday, and will last until April 3. (Photo by Guo Feizhou/Xinhua)

This photo taken on April 1, 2026 shows the plenary session of the first International Transport and Logistics Forum in St. Petersburg, Russia. The first International Transport and Logistics Forum kicked off here on Wednesday, and will last until April 3. (Photo by Guo Feizhou/Xinhua)

A model of Russia's domestically produced high-speed train is pictured during the first International Transport and Logistics Forum in St. Petersburg, Russia, April 1, 2026. The first International Transport and Logistics Forum kicked off here on Wednesday, and will last until April 3. (Photo by Guo Feizhou/Xinhua)

This photo taken on April 1, 2026 shows the plenary session of the first International Transport and Logistics Forum in St. Petersburg, Russia. The first International Transport and Logistics Forum kicked off here on Wednesday, and will last until April 3. (Photo by Guo Feizhou/Xinhua)

A visitor operates a highway testing system during the first International Transport and Logistics Forum in St. Petersburg, Russia, April 1, 2026. The first International Transport and Logistics Forum kicked off here on Wednesday, and will last until April 3. (Photo by Guo Feizhou/Xinhua)

An unmanned road roller is pictured during the first International Transport and Logistics Forum in St. Petersburg, Russia, April 1, 2026. The first International Transport and Logistics Forum kicked off here on Wednesday, and will last until April 3. (Photo by Guo Feizhou/Xinhua)