The war in the Middle East pours in billions Vladimir Putin’s War chest. At the same time, Russia is losing influence internationally as Moscow is increasingly abandoning its allies. After Venezuela, the Russians now appear to be barely supporting Iran militarily.

It is precisely this development that is dangerous for Europe, warns military expert Carlo Masala in an interview with FOCUS online: “The consequences that this will have are not good for Ukraine and for the Europeans.”

Putin will only accept such an arrangement if it benefits him politically. “Putin is certainly now of the opinion that in return for accommodating the USA and exporting more oil, he will also receive something in return from the USA.”

Europe is Putin’s “last and most important playing field”

At the same time, Russia’s claim to act as a protective power for its partners is crumbling. The withdrawal from conflicts surrounding former allies shows a gradual erosion of influence, according to Masala. “Venezuela is an example of this, Syria is another example and now Iran too.”

This is precisely why the Kremlin’s strategic focus is shifting more towards Europe. “That means Ukraine and Europe are Putin’s last playing field, but from Putin’s perspective the most important playing field.”

Masala therefore expects a possible escalation. “I think it is not impossible that over the next few weeks and months we will experience an intensification of hybrid attacks on European societies and also an intensification of attacks on Ukraine.”