By yecier on Skatehive
https://img.leopedia.io/DQmQ8SkPspSvq9HxZGRpeLzedu24rL3t6bQJrYcYnuwi7hp/2re56ZIpes-Svr9-y7RuG.jpg The great beneficiary of the US attack on Iran is Russia, and the geopolitical arithmetic here is stark. The Strait of Hormuz situation —one of the world's most critical chokepoints for global oil transport, through which roughly 20-30% of the world's seaborne oil passes daily— is resulting in the spike in oil prices. This provide Putin with an economic lifeline at precisely the moment he needs it most. Higher crude prices translate directly into larger government revenues for Moscow, which depends on energy exports for roughly 40% of federal budget income. The flow of petrodollars from elevated oil sales, coupled with the partial lift of oil sanctions that Trump has signaled, gives Russia the necessary capital reserves to sustain and even accelerate its invasion of Ukraine without requiring difficult domestic economic choices or further currency devaluation. For context, Russia's economy