He said: “For many years Putin was really skilfully keeping a middle ground between Israel and Iran, but recently Russia became dependent on Tehran because of arms deliveries.

“He lost his chance to be an independent player. It was probably that Iran said ‘we support you in Ukraine, you support us in the Middle East’.

“Putin had to follow Tehran. In the Middle East, Russia is quickly turning into another Iran proxy just like Hamas and Hezbollah.”

Mr Gallyamov was placed on on a wanted list of criminal suspects in Russia earlier this year because of his criticism of the invasion of Ukraine.

Asked if Russia could provide money and weapons for Hamas, Mr Gallyamov: “Yes. I don’t rule this out. When you become a proxy you lose the chance to conduct an independent line.”

He continued: “I think Putin no longer cares for Netanyahu. Now he has taken this pro-Palestine stance on the conflict any Israeli government is an enemy for Putin.”

Iran has supplied Russia with drones to use for its war in Ukraine after heavy sanctions left Russia isolated.

As for Putin’s relationship with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the two leaders had tried to forge a stronger relationship in recent years.

Putin and Netanyahu promoted cultural ties and visa-free travel between the two countries.

In his memoir published during Russia’s war on Ukraine, Netanyahu praised the Russian leader for his intellect and his “particularly friendly attitude” toward the Jewish people.

But the two leaders didn’t speak until a week after Hamas October 7 attack.

The Kremlin said Putin expressed “his sincere condolences to the families and friends of the deceased Israelis.”

Relations between Israel and Russia will not have been helped by Moscow hosting Hamas at the Kremlin last week.

Mousa Abu Marzouk, a Hamas political leader, praised Putin’s “highly valued” stance on the Israel-Gaza war.

The situation in the Middle East has led to unrest in Russia. In Dagestan, a predominantly Muslim region, an antisemitic mob stormed the airport to search for Jewish people flying in from Tel Aviv.

RIA reported that 20 people had been injured, including two who were in critical condition.

They also report over 60 people were detained.