Russia

How does the Kremlin interpret developments in the Iranian arena, what lessons does it derive from the course of the war, and what implications do these developments hold for the Russian sphere?

A year after the fall of Assad—Russia’s client—the security relationship between Moscow and Damascus is being renewed, a development that does not serve Israel’s interests and may even generate risks for its operations

What is behind Russia’s escalating rhetoric and military actions toward European countries?

In recent years, Moscow has accelerated its system of partnerships with destabilizing actors around the world based on the logic of conflict with the West, which has intensified against the backdrop of the war in Ukraine. Many of these actors—states and terrorist organizations—operate in the Middle East and are involved in the armed conflicts with Israel in a way that makes this Russian strategy an indirect threat to Israel. Israel’s assertive actions in friction zones in the last year as part of its multi-arena war, which have impacted Russian interests and assets, and President Trump’s push for quick agreements with Russia, could restrain Russia’s provocative strategy. An analysis of the Kremlin’s considerations and interests in the region helps understand the causal relationship between the developments and the change in Russia’s conduct. Israel should understand how best to interpret Moscow’s activity, which Israeli actions contribute to restraining Russia’s relations with actors that are hostile to Israel, and how the negotiations between Moscow and Washington will affect Russia’s policies in the region.