ИСТИНА

The paper analyzes the recalibration of Russia's Middle East strategy within the evolving multipolar order. It posits that Moscow employs a pragmatic, multi-dimensional approach integrating economic, cultural-religious, and security instruments to bolster its great-power prestige and counter Western influence. The 2022 Ukraine conflict accelerated this "Pivot to the East," deepening strategic partnerships and leveraging the region for sanctions circumvention, trade diversification, and logistical connectivity. The study concludes that Russia's adept instrumentalization of soft, hard, and sharp power has cemented its role as an indispensable, flexible actor, effectively exploiting regional dynamics to advance its strategic objectives.