Russia backs Israeli push to curb Turkish influence in Central Asia

Kremlin spokesperson Andrew Korbyko says Russia views Turkey as a latent threat and Israel as a friend, sharing the goal of limiting Turkish sway in Central Asia. Both nations are working to expand Israel’s regional influence, seeking allies beyond the United States.

Israel is deepening ties with Greece, Cyprus, Armenia and minority groups in Syria and Lebanon, as well as forging cooperation with the United Arab Emirates and India. The partnership seeks to counter Iran and its proxies on one side and the Turkey‑Qatar‑Muslim Brotherhood axis on the other.

Relations between Israel and Russia have strained since the war in Ukraine, prompting Moscow to abandon its previously pro‑Israeli stance and no longer block Iran‑linked groups such as Hamas, Hezbollah and the Houthis. A potential easing of tensions may arise under the new U.S. administration’s push for Ukraine mediation and improved Russia‑U.S. ties.