Russia’s Anxiety Grows: The Implications of Iran’s Clash with Israel on Regional Stability

When Israel’s Operation Rising Lion began, Russian officials reacted sharply, calling the situation “alarming” and “dangerous.” However, Russian media highlighted some potential upsides for Moscow, such as rising global oil prices and a shift in attention away from Russia’s war in Ukraine.

Despite these silver linings, there is a growing concern in Russia about the risks associated with the escalating conflict. Andrei Kortunov, a prominent Russian political scientist, stressed the significant drawbacks for Moscow. He noted that Russia had failed to prevent Israel’s military actions against Iran, a country it recently forged a strategic partnership with, marking a troubling signal for Moscow’s influence.

In the past, this partnership was touted as a significant development. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov emphasized their commitment to regional peace and security. Yet, the reality is that the deal does not guarantee military support for Iran. Critics in Russia point out that Moscow is currently reluctant to escalate its involvement or provide Iran with military assistance.

This is a pivotal time for Russia, especially considering its earlier loss of support in the Middle East with the fall of loyal ally Bashar al-Assad in Syria. The fear of losing another key partner like Iran looms large in the Kremlin.

Meanwhile, the geopolitical landscape is shifting rapidly. Recent surveys show that public opinion in Russia is similarly divided, with many people concerned about the country’s ability to maintain its alliances. Amidst this backdrop, President Putin is attending the International Economic Forum in St. Petersburg, an event previously likened to “Russia’s Davos.” While international attendance has decreased, with prominent Western leaders often absent, over 140 countries are reportedly represented this year.

The Kremlin will likely use this forum to showcase its resilience against measures aimed at isolating Russia. However, the ongoing conflicts in both the Middle East and Ukraine will undoubtedly be prominent topics.

Overall, the current events underline Russia’s complex position in international politics, one that is increasingly fraught with challenges.



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