WhatsappAs war draws closer between Russia and Ukraine, Putin’s actions in the Middle East show why any war between Russia and another country is more than just regional.
Russia has been engaging in spoofing, which is a form of electronic warfare designed to trick a plane’s GPS into thinking its elsewhere. Although the problem is not new, with Israel complaining about it in 2019, the recent uptick in jamming issues has caused problems to civilian aircraft trying to land at Ben Gurion.
Most believe Russia is spoofing for another reason, with Israel being caught up as collateral. However, with Israel increasing its attacks inside Syria, it appears that the recent resurgence of the problem may be tied to Russia’s view that such attacks need to be deterred.
Just the other day, Israel carried out an airstrike just outside of Damascus. The attack marked the first time Israel launched an attack in Syria since the Russian air force said it would carry out joint patrols with the Syrian air force.
Russia’s moves in the Middle East appear to be opening another front against the West. This is in direct connection with the pending war with Ukraine. Putin sees Ukraine as an extension of NATO. It is his aim to crush the alliance’s eastward expansion. In the same vein, he wants to push back on Israel’s growing geopolitical influence, whether that is east to Dubai or West towards Greece.
Putin’s strategy is to have Russia and Russia alone control the oil and gas lines to Europe. By doing so – he holds onto Russia’s growing hegemony.
