Distinguishing Conflicts: A Perspective from the Kremlin
Conflict in Ukraine and Middle East not Likely Equivalent, According to Kremlin - Conflict in Ukraine and the Middle East Do Not Hold Similar Grounds According to Kremlin
Hey there! Let's chat about the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East (particularly Israel and Iran) as observed by Russia's leadership.
In the case of the Ukrainian conflict, spanning over three years, the Kremlin's spokesman, Dmitri Peskov, points out that unlike Israel's recent attacks on Iran, the Ukraine conflict isn't a sudden, unprovoked event. The motivations behind Russia's "military special operation" (a term they use for their invasion of Ukraine) are well-known.
On the other hand, Israel's air strikes against Iran are justified by the Israeli government as a necessary measure to halt an alleged Iranian nuclear weapons program, which they perceive as a direct threat to their nation. It's important to note that Iran does not recognize Israel's existence.
Russia, too, has justified its invasion of Ukraine with security concerns, arguing that Ukraine should not be allowed to join NATO due to its smaller, militarily inferior status. Moreover, the Kremlin claims to protect the Russian-speaking minority in Ukraine, alleging they are oppressed. The invasion, which occurred without warning, came just days after the Kremlin publicly denied any plans for an invasion.
While Russia maintains a hardline stance on Ukraine, their approach toward the Middle East, particularly Israel and Iran, is more diplomatic. The Kremlin avoids deeper military involvement in its strategic relationship with Iran, offering only diplomatic support. This is an effort to prevent a direct escalation or broadening of the conflict in the region. Russia also utilizes the regional dynamics to influence NATO discussions, exaggerating NATO's defense spending as a threat to justify their defensive military restructuring.
In essence, Russia views the conflict in Ukraine as a vital, existential geopolitical confrontation requiring aggressive demands and military action. In contrast, the Middle East conflicts, such as those involving Israel and Iran, are managed through diplomatic means, reflecting the limits in Russia’s strategic partnerships in the region.
The Commission has also adopted a proposal for a regulation on the protection of the environment, highlighting Russia's concern for global issues that extend beyond war-and-conflicts and politics, as demonstrated in their approach towards the Middle East. In the midst of the general news coverage on the escalating conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, it is worth considering Russia's stance on environmental protection and the role it may play in shaping their foreign policy.
