Hizbullah and Russia’s Nascent Alliance

May 23, 2023
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Also published in RUSI
Photo illustration depicting Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah and Russian president Vladimir Putin - Washington Institute illustration, original images from Reuters
About the Authors
Aurora Ortega

Aurora Ortega is a U.S. government professional.

Matthew Levitt
Matthew Levitt

Matthew Levitt is the Fromer-Wexler Senior Fellow and director of the Reinhard Program on Counterterrorism and Intelligence at The Washington Institute.

Articles & Testimony

Although much is still unknown about the full extent of their collaboration, U.S. sanctions designations have revealed a multifaceted and increasingly lucrative relationship that should not be ignored amid other crises.

The following is an excerpt from a paper originally published by the Royal United Services Institute for Defence and Security Studies. To read the full text, download the PDF above or visit the RUSI website.

Over the last few years, Russia has quietly extended its reach into Lebanon, seeking to cultivate cultural, economic and military ties in Beirut as part of a strategy to expand Russian influence in the Middle East, while side-lining the US and elevating Moscow’s role as a peacemaker. However, Russia’s encroachment into Lebanon has been overshadowed by the conflict in Ukraine, and its growing alliance with Hizbullah has likewise received scant attention. And yet, a close read of US government designations related to Iranian and Hizbullah illicit financing schemes reveals a distinct trend in Russian cooperation with and support for such activities...

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Topics

Great Power Competition Terrorism

Regions & Countries

Lebanon