As Israel’s Operation Rising Lion intensifies, Russian officials have labeled the Middle East escalation “alarming” and “dangerous.” Yet early Russian media coverage pointed to potential benefits for Moscow—rising oil prices, global distraction from Ukraine, and a chance to act as a mediator.
However, analysts now warn the conflict poses serious risks. “Russia was unable to prevent a mass Israeli strike on a strategic partner,” wrote political expert Andrei Kortunov in Kommersant. Though Russia signed a comprehensive partnership with Iran, it’s not a military alliance, and Moscow has offered no support beyond verbal condemnation.
The Kremlin is also reeling from losing Syria’s Bashar al-Assad, ousted in December. A potential regime change in Iran would mark a second major setback in the region.
While President Putin hosts the St. Petersburg Economic Forum, attention remains fixed on the Kremlin’s next geopolitical moves. With Russia facing isolation over Ukraine, the Middle East conflict could further complicate its global standing.