At first glance, the Iran-Israel conflict offers the Kremlin considerable benefits. Oil prices have risen, some weaponry originally intended for Ukraine has been diverted to the Middle East, and Russia’s missile strikes on residential areas in Kyiv have been pushed out of the headlines by news from Tehran and Tel Aviv.

At first glance, the Iran-Israeli conflict brings considerable benefits to the Kremlin. Oil prices have risen, some weapons destined for Ukraine have been transferred to the Middle East, and Russian shelling of residential buildings in Kyiv has been pushed out of the top news by reports from Tehran and Tel Aviv. However, the Kremlin’s main trophy at the moment was Putin’s conversation with Trump and the Russian president’s proposed mediation in de-escalating the conflict.