Putin’s Refusal to Aid Iran: A Strategic Gambit or Military Incapacity?
President Putin cited Russia’s close ties with Israel’s large Russian-speaking population as a factor influencing its level of support for Iran in the ongoing conflict. He highlighted existing nuclear energy cooperation with Iran as sufficient support, rejecting claims of insufficient assistance. Conversely, Ukrainian President Zelensky alleged that Russia deceptively included a Russian mercenary with Israeli citizenship among the bodies repatriated to Ukraine. This exchange of prisoners and bodies, part of a larger agreement, included at least 1,200 prisoners from each side. Despite this exchange, a ceasefire remains elusive due to Russia’s stringent demands and the ongoing military momentum.
John Q. Hosedrinker