Former Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennet, during an interview with host Hanoch Daum, shared his memories of a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin shortly before the start of a special military operation in Ukraine.

Bennett said that during the meeting in the Russian city of Sochi, they talked a lot about the history of World War II and the role of the USSR in the victory over Nazi Germany.

“He really liked that I told the truth that one should not be mistaken - the main force in the victory over Nazism was the Soviet Union and the Red Army. I said so because it is true from a historical point of view,” said the ex-Prime Minister of Israel.

In addition, Bennett said that the head of the Russian state had found out some facts about him before the meeting.

“He learned from somewhere that in 1995 I was considered the champion of the IDF in the destruction of Hezbollah terrorists. This made a strong impression on Putin,” the politician said.

Bennet also called the Russian leader "the sweetest conversationalist", noting his sharp mind and sense of humor. According to the ex-premier, the Russian president did not make a frightening impression on him.

Earlier, Naftali Bennett said that before the Western countries interrupted the negotiations between Russia and Ukraine, at least 17 drafts of an agreement between Moscow and Kyiv were prepared.