Russia has maintained a delicate balancing act in the Middle East for decades, trying to navigate its warm relations with Israel even as it has developed strong economic and military ties with Iran

Russia said on Friday that Israeli strikes on Iran were unprovoked and in breach of the United Nations charter, accusing Israel of wrecking diplomatic efforts to strike a deal to allay Western concerns about Tehran's nuclear programme.

Russia’s diplomatic balancing act between Israel and Iran has been tested by recent tensions. As Israel’s strikes on Iranian targets escalate hostilities, Russia could emerge as a key mediator in the conflict,

More pressure must be exerted on Russia to secure a ceasefire in Ukraine urging the G7 nations to ramp up sanctions to achieve that goal, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said on Sunday.

With diplomacy at a standstill, the European Union is set to adopt a new sanctions package on Russia. Read more at straitstimes.com. Read more at straitstimes.com.

MOSCOW (Reuters) -Russia's Foreign Ministry on Friday urged Russian citizens to refrain from travelling to Iran or Israel and told those "in the conflict zone" to stay well away from military objects and busy public places.

Russia is prepared to continue to work to resolve issues surrounding Iran's nuclear programme, the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says rising global oil prices following Israeli strikes on Iran will strengthen Russia by increasing its oil revenues, aiding its war effort in Ukraine.