Bafel Jalal Talabani, President of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK), met with the Russian Ambassador to Iraq, Elbrus Kutrashev, who praised the PUK’s “balanced policy.” 

Talabani welcomed the ambassador to Debashan in Sulaymaniyah on Thursday, where both sides addressed the latest political, economic, and security developments in Iraq, emphasizing the preservation of regional peace and stability.

“Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to advancing bilateral relations between the Kurdistan Region and Russia,” the PUK President's Press Office said in a statement. 

Russian Envoy Commends Talabani's Influential Role 

During the talks, Kutrashev “highlighted the influential role of Bafel Jalal Talabani within the Kurdistan Region, Iraq, and the wider area.” 

The ambassador further stressed that “the PUK pursues a wise and balanced policy.” 

“Russia values the emergence of a young generation of political leaders in Iraq,” he added.

Political Impasse and Moscow’s Influence 

This diplomatic meeting arrives amid a prolonged political gridlock in Kurdistan, where the PUK and KDP remain at odds over forming the new KRG cabinet—more than a year and a half after the October 2024 parliamentary elections. 

Talabani has voiced growing concern that the ongoing institutional delay is actively undermining the legitimacy and credibility of the Kurdistan Regional Government.

In the meantime, Russia maintains deep economic and energy ties to the Kurdistan Region, particularly through state-backed oil giant Rosneft. 

The PUK President emphasized last week that "the Kurdistan Region, through a strategic plan, could resolve the energy crisis throughout Iraq."