Putin caught in a bind: Ukrainian analyst on Kremlin's balancing act between US and Iran

"Putin is really caught in a kind of bind," Fesenko noted while commenting on the war between Israel and Iran.

The analyst explained that the conflict in the Middle East does, in fact, offer certain benefits to Russia. In particular, oil prices have risen significantly and may rise even further. Also, US weapons, especially air defense interceptor missiles, that could have gone to Ukraine, are now being redirected to Israel.

Fesenko believes that for now, Russia has managed to maintain a balance, allowing it to maneuver between the US and Iran.

"But there are also risks. It could backfire, because if the Americans see that Russia is acting in Iran's interests, this could change attitudes toward Putin, even if not immediately," he emphasized.

Fesenko also noted that Putin had previously managed to maintain good relations with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. In particular, Israel even refrained from imposing sanctions on Russia over its invasion of Ukraine. But now, Moscow is openly backing Tehran.

"There's still a chance for Putin to preserve his ties with Israel, with Netanyahu, if he positions himself as some kind of mediator. So this is a kind of multi-move play from Putin. For him, it's a potential opportunity to strengthen his position and appeal to Trump," the political analyst explained.

At the same time, he warned that if Putin manages to play into Trump's interests, it would pose additional challenges for Ukraine.

Putin's plans

Earlier, the Institute for the Study of War wrote that Russian leader Vladimir Putin is trying to divert the world's attention from Russia's war against Ukraine.

In particular, he wants Moscow to be a mediator between Iran and Israel.