Russia strengthened or weakened by Iran conflict?
The war in the Middle East also has implications for Russia: on the one hand Tehran is a Kremlin ally and supplied Russia with drone technology in particular at the beginning of the war in Ukraine. On the other hand the looming shortages of oil and gas on the global market give Russia an opportunity to increase its earnings on energy exports, which have been restricted by sanctions. The media weigh up the pros and cons.
Golden opportunity for the Kremlin
Russia sees an opportunity to circumvent the West's energy sanctions and import bans, Corriere della Sera explains:
“Putin views the war in the Gulf as a golden opportunity to cast himself as the saviour on international markets. The Kremlin's message, which is also directed at the US, is clear: let us sell our hydrocarbons to cushion a surge in global market prices so that your voters in the West are spared the impact of inflation. Kirill Dmitriev, the dictator's special envoy, expressed this directly yesterday in a post on X: 'It's time to secure long-term contracts for Russian LNG to build a diversified and balanced supply base,' he wrote.”
Rising oil prices and dwindling interceptor missiles
Blogger Serhij Fursa sees negative consequences for Ukraine in a Facebook post reposted by NV:
“This attack - whether it escalates into a full-scale war or remains limited - is causing oil prices to rise. And that means increased revenues for Russia. ... What's more, Iran is striking back. ... Yes, its resources are limited. But it is firing a certain number of cruise missiles and ballistic missiles at nearby targets - Israel, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and other US allies in the region. These missiles must be intercepted. And they are being intercepted. The sheikhs there have sufficient Patriot systems at their disposal. But shooting down these missiles is depleting the stockpiles of interceptor missiles that Ukraine urgently needs.”
Putin losing influence
The devastating attack on Iran is a serious blow for the Kremlin, writes journalist Emilian Isaila on Spotmedia:
“The elimination by the US and Israel of a criminal dictatorial regime which has tortured and killed its own citizens over the past five decades sends a strong signal to Vladimir Putin and his circle of influence. They sense that their power has been significantly weakened. No matter what propaganda manoeuvres the Kremlin regime launches, it's pretty clear to everyone that the Russian president no longer plays a major role.”