As Trump Out-Putins Putin, Russia’s Global Influence Erodes
The New York Times • • general
Key Points:
- President Vladimir Putin and Russia are benefiting economically from higher oil and gas prices amid the U.S.-Israeli attack on Iran, which could help alleviate Russia's economic challenges.
- Russia is leveraging its geopolitical influence as an alternative energy supplier while the Middle East conflict potentially disrupts U.S. air defense supplies to Ukraine, where Russia is engaged militarily.
- Despite Iran's past support for Russia in Ukraine with critical drones, Moscow has largely remained passive as the U.S. and Israel aggressively target Iran, issuing only mild condemnations without directly confronting the U.S. administration.
- The Trump administration's assertive use of American military power and willingness to break international norms has disrupted Russia's traditional alliances with anti-American authoritarian regimes, challenging Moscow
