As the U.S. and Israel face a seemingly endless war with Iran, Russia has found reasons to smile amidst the conflict. With its anti-aircraft missiles in short supply, Russia's adversary Ukraine is facing challenges in its defense efforts. Furthermore, soaring oil prices are improving Russia’s financial situation. By transferring drone technology and military strategies to its ally Iran, Russia is indirectly engaging in the conflict, which President Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky describes as advantageous for Putin as it depletes U.S. military stockpiles. Zelensky highlighted that the U.S. produces only 60-65 anti-aircraft missiles monthly, while in the opening day of the U.S.-Iran conflict, they used 803 missiles—indicating potential shortages in global military resources.

Russian media has likened the U.S.-Iran war to a 'vacuum cleaner' that drains military resources, suggesting that Ukraine may have to share resources with Israel and Gulf nations in response to these shortages. Meanwhile, rising oil prices, which have surged from $72 per barrel before the war to over $110 now, are benefiting Russia economically. Analysts have noted that Russia is earning approximately $150 million daily due to these price increases. The Kremlin is also leveraging the war to dismiss Western demands to halt its invasion of Ukraine, suggesting that if the West can violate international law to invade other nations, then Russia is justified in its actions as well.

Putin criticized the recent death of former Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei from air attacks as a 'cynical violation' of all moral and legal norms, which gives Russia a narrative to counter Western accusations of its own aggression. Additionally, by stirring conflict in the Middle East, Russia appears to be finding loopholes in international trade sanctions aimed at its economy, thus positioning itself favorably amid the geopolitical turmoil.