Comment by sillyfluke
2 years ago
> I can't think of a compelling reason for Russia to have helped, only massive downsides.
Conversely (and oddly), I can't think of many downsides.
Getting another US ally embroiled in an extended war, an ally that the US currently holds more dearly than Ukraine, possibly helps in negatively effecting US aid to Ukraine and its appetite to prolong the war on Russia's side of the globe. Furthermore, Russia needs not have expended lots of its own resources to trigger such a war. And if can get more proxy millitias of the regional powers to enter the war, it'd be difficult for the US not to put its focus more on that area of the world.
It is unlikely that there is Russian involvement in my opinion, I cannot make out a motive either. Israel is partially dependent on a relationship with Russia for various reasons as well. The relationship is complicated, with ups and downs, and at times difficult because of the closeness to the US and Russias closeness to Iran/Syria.
If Israel isn't careful, it can find itself in a proxy conflict. I think Russias involvement in Syria and Iran is viewed professionally and not personal as far as that makes sense and for that matter.