Intense diplomatic negotiations are ongoing among the U.S., Egypt, and Qatar to secure a ceasefire in Gaza, amid fears of escalating tensions between Israel and Hezbollah. Notably absent from these discussions is Russia, which is traditionally seen as a key player in Middle Eastern affairs but currently views the chaos as advantageous for its geopolitical ambitions. Moscow aims to undermine U.S. influence in the region while bolstering its own power, particularly in Syria. Concurrently, the Wagner Group's global operations, particularly in Africa, have raised concerns about human rights abuses and threats to Western security, as reported by Nigerian journalist Philip Obaji. Meanwhile, Russian officials accuse the U.S. and France of destabilizing the South Caucasus, framing Armenia as a Western pawn in the region. Russian officials emphasize a desire for strong neighboring states like Azerbaijan, reflecting its broader strategic interests in the area.