"We believe Israel's concerns are justified, but the use of force must be balanced," Vladimir Putin said at a news conference with his United States counterpart George W. Bush after their meeting near St. Petersburg, in advance of the Group of Eight summit.
"Bloodshed must be stopped as soon as possible," he said.
Israel launched a military operation in Lebanon after Lebanon-based Islamist group Hizbollah movement took two Israelis hostage on Wednesday. At least 55 Lebanese civilians were killed. Israeli aircraft also bombed the Gaza Strip.
Putin said he condemned attempts to attain any goals using force, and by means of abductions and attacks on sovereign states.
"The escalation of violence, in our opinion, will not lead to positive results," he said.
Putin said it was necessary not only to stop military operations but also to create "a favorable situation for Israel's development within safe borders and in secure conditions," and to build an independent Palestinian state.
Bush said Russia and the U.S. shared similar concerns in the Middle East, and urged Hizbollah to end their attacks, adding that Syria should put pressure on Hizbollah, and force it to stop violence in the Middle East.
Putin also said Russia and the United States proposed holding a conference in Vienna in 2007 on an anti-terrorism partnership of states, civil society, and business.
"We intend to boost joint efforts in countering new threats and challenges," he said.
