Full-scale invasion of Ukraine has weakened Russia's position in Middle East – analysts

Russia's all-out war against Ukraine has significantly altered the balance of power in the Middle East and limited Moscow's ability to influence regional developments.

This is stated in a 2025 analytical report by the Turkish Center for Economics and Foreign Policy Studies (EDAM).

"After Russia's invasion of Ukraine, it no longer has the resources to exert effective influence in the Middle East. Meanwhile, threat perceptions in Europe have shifted from terrorist risks originating in the Middle East to the direct occupation of a European state. At the same time, China, through the Belt and Road Initiative, is expanding its infrastructure and technological presence, highlighting United States influence in the region. These developments have raised new questions about the future of the Middle East," the report said.

The document notes that Russia has focused its resources on conducting military operations against Ukraine and has lost the capacity to maintain its previous level of involvement in Syria and other regional conflicts.

"The prolonged nature of this war continues to affect not only military and geopolitical balances but also energy markets, food security, inflation and the public sense of well-being," the report states.

EDAM analysts added that the weakening of Russia's resources has created space for the growing role of China and other regional actors in the Middle East, which will further erode Moscow's influence.

Photo: AA