Putin Interested in Middle East Conflict and Will Fuel Its Escalation – Podolyak Russian dictator Vladimir Putin is interested in a prolonged military conflict in the Middle East and will actively contribute to its escalation. He aims to position Russia as a mediator in resolving tensions between Israel and Iran. The exchange of strikes between the two countries has already driven up global oil prices — a development that could benefit Russia in its ongoing war against Ukraine. This was stated by Mykhailo Podolyak, adviser to the Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine. “Putin is invested in provoking instability in the Middle East. It’s critically important for him that the war there becomes more drawn-out and large-scale — and he will invest in making that happen. The longer the conflict lasts, the higher the oil prices. Many countries will start turning a blind eye to the presence of large volumes of Russian oil on the grey market,” Podolyak said.