Putin has gone from world ruler to helpless bystander — Newsweek
The Russian Federation is rapidly losing ground on the world stage, transforming from a key international player into a minor participant in global affairs.
This is discussed in a Newsweek article.
The war against Ukraine and China’s growing influence are depriving Vladimir Putin of his main levers of influence, leaving the Kremlin with only the role of an observer in major geopolitical conflicts.
During the recent crisis surrounding Iran, Russia was virtually absent from the diplomatic arena, a stark contrast to its previous ambitions.
Events have demonstrated that Moscow is now a second-tier power—it adapts to external circumstances rather than shaping them on its own.
“Most of Moscow’s military resources are tied up in Ukraine,” analysts at the Carnegie Center’s “Russia-Eurasia” program emphasize, explaining the Kremlin’s limited capabilities.
The aggressor is embroiled in an exhausting and costly conflict that is depleting its economic reserves and depriving the country of resources to exert influence in other areas.
Relations between Russia and China increasingly resemble a one-sided game, with Beijing as the dominant party.
Unlike NATO allies, who can afford to disagree with the position put forward by U.S. President Donald Trump, Moscow is becoming critically dependent on China’s decisions.
The economic foundation of Russian influence has also suffered significant damage due to Europe’s energy diversification.
The EU’s dependence on Russian gas has fallen from 45% to 12% as of 2025, effectively eliminating the primary tool of blackmail that Putin has used for decades.
In resolving the Iranian crisis, Pakistan has taken over the key role of mediator, while Russia has found itself on the sidelines of the negotiations.
The Kremlin lacks the authority to play the role of crisis manager, and the partnership agreements signed with Tehran have not evolved into a full-fledged defense alliance.
International experts describe the financial relief Moscow received due to rising oil prices as an “economic gift for Putin.”
However, Chatham House notes that this success is an incidental benefit of instability in the Persian Gulf, not the result of a successful Kremlin strategy.
A state whose budget deficit directly depends on whether U.S. President Donald Trump changes his sanctions policy cannot be considered an independent center of power.
Russia is merely taking advantage of temporary windows of opportunity opened up for it by the actions of true global leaders.
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