Leaning into pro-Palestinian and anti-Western sentiment allowed Russia to score points with global public opinion. But dynamics that initially seemed to benefit Russia quickly became a strategic headache.

Russian officials caution that U.S. direct military support for Israel risks triggering wider instability across the Middle East.

Iran hasn't asked Moscow for military assistance during its conflict with Israel, Russian President Vladimir Putin said Wednesday. He said that the strategic partnership agreement between Moscow and Tehran doesn't cover such military help.