Vladimir Putin’s ability to keep attacking Ukraine will be damaged by Iran’s war with Israel, according to UK intelligence. Moscow and Tehran signed a so-called “comprehensive strategic partnership agreement” in January,

Russia's foreign ministry on Thursday warned the United States not to take military action against Iran, amid speculation over whether Washington will enter the war alongside Israel. Russian foreign ministry's spokeswoman Maria Zakharova told reporters: "We would like to particularly warn Washington against military intervention in the situation.

Russia is telling the United States not to strike Iran because it would radically destabilise the Middle East, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said on Wednesday, and Moscow said Israeli strikes risked triggering a nuclear catastrophe.