Is the Iran war helping Putin?

While the US and the world look away, is the Russian president getting what he wants?

An episode of the The Global Story podcast, hosted by BBC World Service, titled "Is the Iran war helping Putin?" was published on March 30, 2026 and runs 27 minutes.

March 30, 2026 ·27m · The Global Story

0:00 / 0:00

Summary

With the world’s attention on the war in Iran, Vladimir Putin appears to be stepping up Russia’s war in Ukraine. Last week saw the biggest Russian drone attack since the beginning of the war. Some Ukrainians believe Putin is doing this precisely because the world is looking the other way. Russia also appears to be benefiting from the Iran war in other ways – oil prices have skyrocketed at the same time as Trump has loosened sanctions on Russian oil. On the other hand, it’s been a difficult few months for Russian allies in Tehran, Caracas and Havana.The author, academic and Russia analyst Mark Galeotti joins us to examine the ways in which the war in Iran could help or hinder Putin.Apply for Castfest tickets: https://www.bbc.co.uk/showsandtours/shows/castfest-2026 Email us: [email protected] Producers: Xandra Ellin and Cat Farnsworth Executive producer: James Shield Mix: Travis Evans Senior news editor: China Collins Photo: Russian President Vladimir Putin, in Russia, March 27. Credit: Gavriil Grigorov/Sputnik/Kremlin/Pool/EPA/Shutterstock.

Episode Description

With the world’s attention on the war in Iran, Vladimir Putin appears to be stepping up Russia’s war in Ukraine. Last week saw the biggest Russian drone attack since the beginning of the war.

Some Ukrainians believe Putin is doing this precisely because the world is looking the other way. Russia also appears to be benefiting from the Iran war in other ways – oil prices have skyrocketed at the same time as Trump has loosened sanctions on Russian oil. On the other hand, it’s been a difficult few months for Russian allies in Tehran, Caracas and Havana.

The author, academic and Russia analyst Mark Galeotti joins us to examine the ways in which the war in Iran could help or hinder Putin.

Apply for Castfest tickets: https://www.bbc.co.uk/showsandtours/shows/castfest-2026 Email us: [email protected]

Producers: Xandra Ellin and Cat Farnsworth Executive producer: James Shield Mix: Travis Evans Senior news editor: China Collins

Photo: Russian President Vladimir Putin, in Russia, March 27. Credit: Gavriil Grigorov/Sputnik/Kremlin/Pool/EPA/Shutterstock.